The 2023 Barossa Airshow, Sunday 16th April 2023, was proudly hosted by the Rotary Club of Barossa Valley.

Article by PP Keith Millington of the Rotary Club of Barossa Valley and Secretary of RC of Barossa Valley Sandie Simons

Thanks to a lot of hard work done in the year prior by our very dedicated 2023 Barossa Airshow committee, a cropping paddock was converted in just a few days to a bustling event site, complete with aircraft landing strip, food and market stalls, air-related displays and patron facilities.

Despite the threatening weather right up until the morning of Sunday 16th April, the greatest excitement during the event was the action in the air!

The display of pilot skills and aerial displays organised by Steve Ahrens, member of the Rotary Club of Barossa Valley and Founder of the Barossa Airshow, was world class.

An amazing display of many different Aircraft held the crowd in awe throughout the day, starting with the skills of the Barossa Model Aircraft club who showed that the “little guys” can put on a great show too.

The Australian National Anthem performed by a local young artist Reo Gerhardy introduced parachutists, one of whom carried the Australian flag – what a moving experience!

Other highlights were death-defying stunts by Chris Sperou and South Australia’s own Silver Sharks; Lyndon Trethewey, who did a stunning solo display, then teamed up with the Silver Sharks for a “hold your breath, knife-edge” moment; the historical value of Whalley’s Warbirds; the Poseidon P8 fly-past; and a visit from 16 year old Pilot Alicia Hayes, who flew her aircraft like a veteran and did a textbook landing in a difficult crosswind.

We estimate more than 6,000 including volunteers attended on the day, considerably more than expected, which of course presented some challenges.

However, the wonderful result is that the Rotary Club of Barossa Valley and several other community and service groups will be able to provide substantial financial assistance to global and local activities and projects.

The full 2023 Barossa Airshow committee consisted of eleven Rotarians, with two volunteers who worked magic with promotional activities through social media and other publicity networks.

L-R back row Keith Millington (Chair), David West, Peter Perkins, Bill Simons, Anne Schilling, Sue Graetz, Mark Graetz, Bryce
Lillecrapp, L-R front row Marie Rothe, Steve Ahrens and Sandie Simons. 

The 2023 Barossa Airshow Chairperson Keith Millington said “The entire group did a magnificent job in assembling a complex event that was totally dependent on everybody doing their job.”

And of course, the Rotary District 9510 Mazda BT-50 and the Rotary Club of Barossa Valley’s promotional trailer were there!

Rotary Fun Ute - Showcase Ute provided by Paradise Mazda, and Barossa Airshow promotional trailer donated by Bill Simons, D9510 Area Governor of Area 5 and member of the Rotary Club of Barossa Valley, and the 2023 Barossa Airshow signage donated by Jock Martin of Barossa Digital Print and Signs.