Virgin Australia helps Starlight Wish grant 13,000th wish to sick children
Starlight Children’s Foundation and Virgin Australia transformed the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island, into “Happiness Island” to celebrate their monumental 13,000th Starlight Wish milestone.
To mark the occasion, Starlight, Virgin Australia and Hamilton Island brought together 10 sick kids and their families from across Australia for an unforgettable VIP weekend full of fun, laughter and special memories in one of Australia’s most sought-after holiday destinations.
To kick off the festivities, families were welcomed into the Virgin Australia lounge by Starlight Ambassadors, media personality Darryl Brohman and singer-songwriter Timomatic, before taking a fun-filled flight up to the picturesque Hamilton Island, where they were warmly welcomed by the kids of Hamilton Island Community School.
The celebrations continued with an official welcome dinner emceed by TV personality, Matty J, a surprise intimate performance from Kita Alexander and a spectacular fireworks display.
Throughout the weekend the Hamilton Island Community provided the kids and families with unforgettable experiences, including a thrilling Whitehaven cruise, a bowling and pizza night, and a sunny beach BBQ!
Enjoying the festivities will be Starlight Wish recipients:
-
9y/o Tyson from Sydney with chronic granulomatous disease
-
9y/o Xavier from Brisbane who is in remission from stage 3 bladder cancer
-
11y/o Talan from Cairns who has rare perthes disease
-
11y/o Abigail from Adelaide with a congenital heart defect
-
12y/o Landon from Sydney who has chronic kidney disease
-
14y/o Lorelei from Southern Highlands NSW who had a life-saving kidney transplant
-
15y/o Jack from Sydney who was diagnosed with brain cancer
-
21y/o Xander from Hobart who has rare genetic disorder joubert syndrome
-
21y/o Chyma from Mt Isa who has rheumatic fever
Also receiving her wish for the very first time, was 15y/o Lara from Canberra, who was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma. Lara wished for a relaxing family holiday to Hamilton Island – which was granted at “Happiness Island” as Starlight’s official 13,000th Wish!
When sick kids’ worlds are filled with hospital and treatment, a Starlight Wish is an incredible gift of happiness, giving sick kids something fun to look forward to and creating new memories to treasure forever.
“At Starlight we recognise being sick shouldn’t mean missing out on the happiness of childhood,” CEO, Starlight, Louise Baxter, said.
“Happiness is one of the strongest determinants to how we perform in education, employment and long-term healthy life behaviours.”
“For 35 years, Starlight has been granting children their life-changing Starlight Wish.
“Since Virgin Australia came on-board, we have seen these important moments of happiness and connection truly soar – taking children and their families on holidays they couldn’t otherwise experience.
“These adventures create lasting memories and provide a sense of hope when it is needed most.”
Travel and holiday wishes are the most popular wish choice, with almost half of Starlight Wishes involving air travel with official Wishgranting partner, Virgin Australia.
Virgin Australia Chief Marketing Officer, Libby Minogue said, “Since our partnership began in 2010, Virgin Australia has helped Starlight grant almost 3,000 wishes, flying kids to unforgettable experiences and holidays across the country.”
“Set against the incredible backdrop of Hamilton Island, the 13,000th Starlight Wish milestone was one to remember.
“From a pre-flight experience in our Lounge, to games onboard and surprise mid-flight entertainment, it is an incredible privilege to make the journey even more wonderful for Starlight kids and their families.”
Over the last decade, Hamilton Island has welcomed over 250 sick kids for their Starlight Wish. This year alone, 12 sick kids have travelled to Hamilton Island for their Starlight Wish, with at least 12 more booked to travel before the end of the year.
“We’re delighted to see Hamilton Island play a role in the celebration of 13,000 Starlight Wishes, and grateful for the opportunity to partner with Starlight and Virgin Australia to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these deserving kids,” CEO, Hamilton Island, Pete Brulisauer, said.
“I’m also pleased to see the Hamilton Island Community come together to support this event, from our school and local fire brigade to the various businesses that operate on the island.
“A big thank you to AV Partners and Skylighter Fireworks for the services they provided in kind to make this a truly special event.”
Starlight relies on corporate partnerships and the community to help fulfill life-changing Starlight Wishes. With over 700 sick kids still waiting for their Starlight Wish this year, the need for ongoing support continues.
To help fulfil more life-changing Starlight Wishes, visit www.starlight.org.au
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
hamilton island Make A Wish Foundation Starlight virgin australiaLatest News
Philippine Airlines and VietJet look to community connection near Western Sydney Airport
Both Philippine Airlines and VietJet will explore services from Western Sydney Airport with the airport’s proximity to the Filipino and Vietnamese diaspora in Sydney potentially beneficial to both carriers. Philippine Airlines VP revenue management and commercial planning Alex Featherstone, speaking at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific, said the carrier would “explore” the potential […]
Virgin Australia to refit Dash 8 and acquire Rex aircraft following Boeing delays
Not the biggest announcement given everyone else is in the same boat - or plane - but what's old is new again.
Exclusive: Wendy Wu on her passion for travel continuing to run deep
Last year, she topped the Women in Travel Power List, but now she is digging deep for the next destination.
Australian Cycle Tours adds new cycle trip to the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail
Australian Cycle Tours has added a new, extended cycle trip that includes all sections of the popular Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail. The new trip commences in Beechworth with the first two days cycling with a transfer back to Beechworth, before continuing to Myrtleford and Bright, with a cycle on the newest sections of […]
Camp in style with Reflections Holidays’ new glamping tents
It will feel like you're on safari but instead of lions or elephants it's the kids in the holiday park to look out for.
It’s all of the photos from TravelManagers 2024 conference day one!
We all have that one friend who zooms in on their own face whenever there is a group photo. If you don't, it's you.
Air New Zealand chief hints at quirky safety video in time for Christmas
We've managed to nab an Air New Zealand exclusive at an aviation summit, who would have thought?
Solis Travel announced as the latest member of Luxury Travel Collection
If Luxury Travel Collection was a high school student, it'd be telling people 'you can't sit with us', but not Solis!
OPINION: Travelport CMO Jen Catto on AI empowering travel retailers
AI will fix everything, said no one ever. But it can help.
Anangu Communities Foundation raises $75,000 at its third annual Sydney fundraiser
Generous supporters gathered at the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour for the third annual Anangu Communities Foundation Sydney fundraiser to help raise $75,000. Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia administers the Foundation which so far has funded over $3 million in projects to support Anangu communities of Central Australia with a focus on building community capacity in healthcare, […]
‘Virtuoso on Tour’ photos: Virtuoso showcases its best to agent base
Virtuoso hosted its second annual Virtuoso On Tour, a destinations event at the ICC in Sydney showcasing tour operators, tourism boards and more to its agent family. The event is designed for travel agency members in Australia and New Zealand to network with Virtuoso partners across the globe. It housed six destination-themed pavilions (Australia & […]
Oceania Cruises showcases new culinary tours and itineraries in Alaska
Designed by foodies, for foodies. Well, they've sucked us in, when can we get on board?
Galapagos Shark Diving expands conservation efforts with new partnership
Got a fear of the deep blue? This is the way to overcome it... or have a panic attack.
The gloss of a garlicky brioche bun continues to shine long after leaving Amanoi
That calls time on our Chris Taylor series. We loved these so much we might have to send him on another trip.
Highlights of CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific
What do you get when you put a bunch of aviation workers in a conference centre? Lot's of breaking news!
Air India to target Indian-Australians as part of its rebuild, says its CEO & MD
Of all the Indian cultures we love at TW, Bollywood takes the cake, and we're sure its on the entertainment menu.
Sydney Airport and Turkish Airlines announce Sydney-Istanbul flights
So much aviation news in the last few days. but this might take the cake! Years in the making.
Women In Travel: ‘It’s so important for us to create change’ Albatross Tours’ Shelley Poten
And it's a change she's making! We can't wait to celebrate with Shelley on our night of nights.
Perth a focus for Qantas says International & Freight boss
If you're not into aviation this talk may have sent you to the coffee line, but for others it was a dream come true.
Qantas unveils remuneration changes and details its journey to green in annual, sustainability reports
Qantas timed its reports for the same day as a major aviation conference in Brisbane, but it's only hiding good news.
TravelManagers 2024 kicks off in Cairns with record attendance
Want to find out the salary of a top-performing PTM? You'll have to read this story.
Research shows Brisbane international travel spike as airport prepares for major upgrade
The kind of news airport bosses in Brisbane would like to hear after spending $5 BILLION.
AmaWaterways announces fully integrated partnership with Mint Payments
Ama's financial news grabbed our attention this morning, even with a fridge full of mint slices.
Brisbane Airport boss opens CAPA Summit with $5b terminal rebuild plans
Nothing like using a hometown advantage to make a big announcement to the rest of the Aviation world.
IHG Hotels & Resorts to present ‘The Mind Lobby’ at SXSW Sydney as major partner
Got what it takes to step into the Mind Lobby? We're not sure what it entails but we're guessing escape room.
NCL returns to Greek Isles and Med in + new ports Northern Europe: 2025/26 season revealed
Even thinking about the Greek Island's has our mouths watering and mind set on Gyros!
Winter in QLD wins big as My Queensland sets all time high for sales in July 2024
If it was State of Origin season, this article wouldn't have got a start...
The NT tops list of hidden gem attractions out of Aussie states
As Australia steps into spring with temperatures set to rise above average, new research has revealed the states with the most must-see hidden gem attractions with the great outdoors proving a winner! The study, conducted by travel and luggage experts at Bounce, used Tripadvisor and search data to uncover Australia’s most treasured destinations. The Northern […]
Four lucky winners revealed for Tourism Solomons latest agent prize!
Winner winner chicken dinner! It's not the news you want if you are one of the remaining 150-odd, but you can try again!
Entire Travel Group offers $1000 for couples combining Fijian getaways with winters in Whistler
If you want to relax by the pool one week and ski the slopes the next, Entire is here for you!
Fusion Hotel Group celebrates World Wellness Weekend
Vietnam’s wellness-inspired Fusion Hotel Group is celebrating World Wellness Weekend from 20-22 September with yoga and other healthy living activities. Fusion Hotel Group has introduced a series of events and activities for guests at five of its luxury beachfront resorts in Vietnam to World Wellness Weekend. The exclusive offers include yoga, meditation, onsen baths, Zumba, […]
InterContinental Wellington unveils new Health Club and Classic Rooms makeover
InterContinental Wellington has announced the completion of its newly revamped Health Club and a stylish makeover of its Classic Rooms. Bringing a new level of luxury to its 79 Classic Rooms, including eight accessible rooms, the hotel has meticulously re-styled these spaces in collaboration with Y-6, an acclaimed Interior Architecture and Design studio based in […]
Scoot announces discount flights to Europe, Japan, Hong Kong & more
Your next holiday could be just a hop, skip and a jump away... But we'd rather take a Scoot!
Newcastle Airport signs MoU with Destination NSW to lure new domestic and international routes
Destination Newcastle! Did we ever think we would see the day?
Celestyal Journey celebrates its first anniversary
Celestyal Journey has notched up one year with Celestyal, travelling 66,100 nautical miles in its first year, mostly around the Greek Islands. The 55,877-tonne ship joined the Celestyal fleet following a multi-million-dollar refurbishment made her maiden voyage for the Greek cruise line on 2 September 2023, a seven-night Idyllic Aegean cruise to Thessaloniki, Kusadasi, Heraklion […]
Aqua Expeditions is set to expand its fleet in 2025
Luxury sailings are now hitting far-flung destinations, and there is still a lot of coastline left uncovered.