Hi my name is Nick Wills, and I am fundraising for Will Matthews to help him achieve his dream of obtaining his CASA Private Pilot Licence.

I had the privilege of teaching Will's older brother Rob to fly several years ago here in Temora, and during that time I gave Will (aged 12) his first experience flying in a powered aeroplane. In return Will asked if he could give Rob and myself a briefing on Flight Planning, which he had prepared whilst Rob and I were airborne. How could we refuse? He gave a full 20 minute briefing including questions and answers. Amazing!

Since that time, Will has become well known to the Aviation community far and wide making a positive and lasting impression on everyone he meets, including (but not limited to) Recreational Pilots, Glider Pilots, Private Pilots, Commercial Pilots, Flight Instructors, Airline Captains & First Officers, RAAF Pilots, Warbird Pilots, Firebomber Pilots, Crop Dusters, Red Bull Race Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers and more!

Will has been an active member of the Temora Flyers Inc and participates in all of our activities including the recent "Youth in Aviation" and "Country Hope" events as ground crew. He is now a committee member of the Temora Flyers Inc (TFI).

Will is an Apprentice with Temora Shire Council and so far has managed to fund his flying training to solo standard. However, given the high cost of flight training his ambitions are on hold for now.

With this in mind, and given Will's infectious enthusiasm and determination to become a fully qualified pilot, I along with many of the Aviation Community would like to see him complete his Private Pilot License by using his holiday entitlement and go full time with Curtis Aviation at Camden Airport ideally in May 2026. The intention is to match every dollar he spends with two dollars from GoFundMe

Wiliam Matthews & Wing Commander Paul (Simmo) Simmons