Epic journey to fight malaria Flying Pastor centre stage

Alex de Vos
Gliding across Australia’s red centre in the name of charity is a mission Torquay’s flying pastor has gladly accepted.
Next month Rob Lithgow will embark on his aerial journey across South and Western Australia to raise awareness and much-needed funds to help eradicate malaria.
The Surf Coast missionary will fly part of the 15,000-kilometre trip in his paraglider while capturing the breathtaking scenery on film along the way.
He will travel the rest of the epic journey in his family motorhome.
Mr Lithgow said the trip was designed to promote his work with Adventure Life Ministries.
“We’ll be going to different locations to get aerial footage that we’ll make into a DVD,” Mr Lithgow said.
“The flying adventures are used to promote the work we do and are shown in churches and during presentations.”
Mr Lithgow expected to capture some “spectacular” footage while flying over central Australia.
“There’s some amazing scenery though the Flinders Ranges and around Uluru,” he said.
“The air-to-air stuff is fantastic.”
Earlier this year Mr Lithgow flew from his Torquay home to Adelaide, raising $4000 for the fight to stamp out malaria.
“But this trip is more about flying and filming,” he said.
Mr Lithgow, who is also a flying instructor, said he had a few loose ends to tie up before embarking on his fundraising journey.
“I’ve got a few students who need to get their licence, which I’m committed to finishing,” he said.
“We’re just waiting for some good weather – at the moment it’s too windy to fly.”