Tumby airstrip official opening this month. South Australia.

THE recently sealed Tumby Bay airstrip will be officially opened later this month with a black tie fundraising dinner to celebrate the event.

Minister for Transport Pat Conlon will open the airstrip at 2.30pm on Saturday, October 29, with some private light aircraft flying in on the day.

Tumby Bay District Council chief executive officer Tony Irvine said the airstrip, which is located near the town, was a vital piece of infrastructure that supported emergency services for the district, and in particular the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Mr Irvine said the public were welcome to attend the low-key opening, and a black tie dinner would also be held later that night in the Tumby Bay Soldiers War Memorial Hall in support of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

"This is an opportunity for the community to show its appreciation and support for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and the invaluable service it provides," Mr Irvine said.

The dinner will be catered by the local "FabFare" team with the Tumby Bay Football Club running the bar.

Entertainment will be provided by local band Segway, as well as Anthony Cave and the Cummins Music Hall Ensemble.

Tickets for the event are $60 per person, contact Wayne Branson 86882061 or Ron van Dok 0448 747 848 to purchase.

A raffle will also be held to raise money for the RFDS, with first prize being a gold service trip for two from Adelaide to Alice Springs on the Ghan.

Raffle tickets are available through the Tumby Bay District Council, Medical Centre, Tumby Bay and District Lions Club and various businesses in the area.

Anyone intending to fly in on the airstrip on the day should contact the council's works manager, Darren Zechner on 8688 2101 so arrangements can be made for aircraft parking.

http://sj.farmonline.com.au