Seven aircraft, including two World War II-era Austers, took to the skies over ANZAC Day ceremonies at Kempsey, South West Rocks and Gladstone. 

Kempsey Flying Club president John Dunn said it was a proud day for the group. 

“It’s not a bad effort from a little regional club,” John said. 

The seven planes flew in a convoy over Belgrave Street ahead of the 11am Kempsey commemoration service, before heading out to Gladstone and South West Rocks. 

Among them were Hilton McLeod and Graeme Smith in the Austers, Julian Booth in the club’s Cessna 172, Bill Gibbons and Paul Shea in Piper Warriors, Mort Curren in a Beechcraft and John Conners in a Moonee.  

Before taking to the skies, a service was held at the airport, with the ode recited and a minute’s silence observed. 

“It’s a special event, they do it all at their own expense,” John said of the pilots’ ANZAC Day contribution.

“They’re proud to do it.”