Tom Forrest resides in Wyndham, a small town in Western Australia’s Kimberley region, with a modest population of around 940. This tight-knit community features only a family-run supermarket, a post office, a liquor store, and a local swimming pool. Forrest describes the town as a “dead-end” location because it cannot be driven through, making it a distinctly remote area where residents often feel the isolation of their surroundings.
To access the nearest major supermarket, Forrest must travel an hour, and to reach Darwin, the closest substantial city, takes him ten hours by car. He appreciates the beauty of outback living and the warmth of the community but acknowledges the difficulties posed by their geographical remoteness. Flights from Kununurra, the closest large town, are often prohibitively expensive, prompting the residents to continually request government assistance to reduce airfares.
Inspired by outback pilots—including his childhood friend’s father who would land his helicopter nearby during mustering—Forrest decided to pursue his pilot’s license. He committed to a rigorous travel schedule, making the 1000-kilometre journey to Darwin bi-weekly for 11 months until his licencing was completed.
With his new-found ability to fly, Forrest shortened his travel time significantly, turning what would typically be a drawn-out drive into a quick 15-minute flight to Kununurra. This convenience has greatly enhanced his day-to-day logistics, allowing him to reach Darwin in just 90 minutes instead of ten hours. It also facilitates easier access to remote Kimberley locations, transforming two-hour trips that would have otherwise taken an entire day.
Forrest actively shares his aviation journey on social media, along with heartwarming anecdotes involving his grandfather, which celebrate their unique outback lifestyle. His skills were recently put to good use when he was contacted by a community in Amanbidji, which had been cut off due to flooding and was running without fresh produce for weeks. He flew 100 kilograms of food, bringing hope and sustenance to the isolated residents.
However, rising fuel prices have proven a challenge, escalating costs to about $200 per hour of flight time, with diesel prices exceeding $3.60 per litre. As a result, Forrest has had to limit his flying to essential trips, reflecting on how these increasing expenses impact his newfound freedom in the sky.