The Warbirds Downunder 2015 airshow in Temora was “a sight to behold”, the town’s mayor says.
Temora is today winding down after one of the best weekends for tourism on record, with the town’s population swelling to more than four times its normal size.
Organisers estimate more than 20,000 people converged on the Temora airfield for an array of thrilling aircraft demonstrations.
It featured current and ex-military aircraft from NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia.
Strong support from the Royal Australian Airforce meant spectators were treated to displays from the Roulettes aerobatic team as well as demonstrations by an F/A 18 Hornet, a C-130 Hercules, a C-17 Globemaster, a Wedgetail and a King Air.
Temora mayor Rick Firman said the value of the airshow to the community was priceless.
“It was a sight to behold,” he said.
“There were people everywhere, just unbelievable. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Cr Firman said he was “gobsmacked” when 4000 people attended a street festival on Friday in celebration of the event. Dignitaries included Reserve Bank Governor Glenn Stevens and Chief of the Defence Force Mark Binskin.
The event was organised by the Temora Aviation Museum, and its volunteers.
The museum’s marketing manager, Peter Harper, said this year’s event exceeded organisers’ wildest expectations. Mr Harper said a ceremony and a subsequent demonstration dedicated to war veterans was a standout feature.
“It was moving,” he said.
“We had a lot of feedback about it and everyone said they were just so impressed by it.”
Mr Harper said attendance over the three days had broken records.
“The car park attendants just couldn’t get over the amount of Victorian, Queensland and South Australian number plates,” he said.
The event comes amid a tense time for Temora residents as their council faces the prospect of being axed.
Mr Harper said the event couldn’t have gone ahead without the support of Temora council.
