By Victoria Velton
Chris and Tracey Castles have taken to the skies on a 26-day, 10,500-kilometre journey as part of the Royal Flying Doctor Service Outback Air Race 2025. Flying under the banner of Team 15 – Rookies, the pair are navigating their fire engine red A32 Vixxen through some of Australia’s most remote regions in a rally that is less about speed and more about navigation, timing, and precision. Their mission is twofold: to embrace the adventure of a lifetime and to raise $75,000 for the RFDS, whose services have long been a lifeline across regional Australia. Continued on page 3
Chris and Tracey Castles are no strangers to adventure, but their latest endeavour has lifted their ambitions sky-high. On Wednesday, 20 August, the Ingham couple embarked on the Royal Flying Doctor Service Outback Air Race 2025, joining 45 other aircraft and around 100 participants in the charity challenge.
The event is less of a speed race and more of a rally. Pilots navigate between remote points, testing accuracy, timing, and teamwork. While both were engineers in the RAAF, Chris will act as the lead pilot for the rally, while Tracey is the load master and provides moral support.
“The race is really all about raising money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service,” Chris explained. “They do a lot of good work around the country, and we’ve been beneficiaries of that on occasion as well. So, it’s really about giving back while also getting to see Australia from a unique perspective.”
The Castles’ fundraising story has been remarkable. “Our first target was $20,000, then we raised it to $25,000, then $50,000, and now $75,000,” Tracey said with a smile. To date, they are just shy of $60,000, thanks to the generosity of family, friends, and community supporters.
The couple are also offering raffle tickets for a $20,000 bespoke travel experience, with the draw scheduled for 8 September via: https://www.raffletix.com.au/?ref=5dezp&sref=xb79cnc9
Though they would love to win the rally, Chris and Tracey’s ultimate goal is to support the service that delivers critical medical care to rural and outback Australians. “It’s a win-win,” Tracey said. “The love of flying and the chance to help the Flying Doctor Service.”
Follow their progress on Facebook at 'Rookies RFDS Outback Air Race 2025' or donate to keep Team Rookies soaring towards their target via the QR code!
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