The opportunity came about thanks to the generosity of helicopter owner and pilot Peter Day, who is travelling along with the Variety Bash as it winds its way through NSW.

“I drove in a few Bashes in the late 90s,” Mr Day said.

“When I was approached last year to participate again, I said I’m not going in some dirty old car. The only way I’ll go is if I fly. After a couple of days the committee came back and said ‘you’re on’.

In addition to acting as an emergency backup during the Bash, Mr Day offers the flight at stops along the route, giving a local community group the chance to use it as a fundraiser. SHPMS P&C took up the offer, and Mrs Newton happily bought five tickets thinking she would just be making a donation to the P&C. She said she was shocked at being told on Tuesday that she’d won the raffle, followed by 24 hours of worry over which of her two children to take up as the prize was for one child and their carer.

Mr Day stepped in as peacemaker, offering to take all three for a ride.

“He made my decade,” Mrs Newton said.

The family received a rousing send-off from all the SHPMS students, and the helicopter then buzzed the crowd before flying west to take in a bird’s-eye view of the Newton homestead 20 kilometres out of town (by road, at least).

One word to sum up the adventure on their return?

“Awesome,” Sonny said.