MAF Celebrates 80 Years of Serving the Isolated at a Thanksgiving Service in Canberra
On 20 May – exactly 80 years since Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) was founded – a special thanksgiving service was held at the Presbyterian Church of St Andrew in Canberra to honour eight decades of flying help, hope and healing to some of the world’s most isolated communities.
The event brought together a diverse and distinguished group, including diplomats from embassies representing many of the nations MAF has had a presence in during the past 80 years, leaders from partner organisations, MAF alumni and faithful supporters.
Renowned Australian Christian entertainer Colin Buchanan hosted the celebration, bringing warmth, humour and heartfelt reflections to the occasion. His involvement set a joyful tone for an afternoon of gratitude and storytelling, highlighting how MAF’s mission has touched lives across the globe.
Guest speakers included Elton Gorogo from Papua New Guinea’s Sustainable Development Program (SDP) and Member Yingiya Mark Guyula, the first Yolngu pilot trained by MAF – both reflecting MAF’s deep and enduring partnerships in Papua New Guinea and Arnhem Land. Other speakers included Matthew Maury, CEO of the Australian Council for International Development; David Campbell, minister of the host church; James Benjamin, MAF Board Member; and MAF Australia CEO Dr Chris Barnes. MAF alumnus Ron Watts also shared moving reflections and personal stories from his time serving with the organisation.
While the thanksgiving event focused on celebrating MAF’s legacy, the occasion also acknowledged the organisation’s ongoing impact. Most recently, MAF Australia has made headlines for delivering over 1,100kg of emergency supplies to five Arnhem Land communities cut off by severe flooding.
Reflecting on the broader significance of the milestone, MAF CEO Dr Chris Barnes shares; “From the jungles of Papua New Guinea to the recent flooding in East Arnhem Land which saw our pilot fly in essential supplies to the Indigenous Baniyala community, MAF has been a lifeline for millions. This anniversary is not just a celebration of 80 years – it’s a story of lives saved and communities transformed.”
Founded on 20 May 1945 by a group of visionary pilots following World War II, MAF was established to overcome the physical barriers that isolate people from basic services and the gospel. Today, with a fleet of 117 aircraft operating in 24 countries, MAF continues to provide medevac flights, disaster response, community development support and access to education and healthcare in remote regions.
As the event concluded with a time of prayer and thanksgiving, attendees left inspired by stories of impact and united in their commitment to support MAF’s mission into the future.
The Canberra celebration is one of many events taking place across Australia and around the world throughout 2025, as MAF marks 80 years of faithful service and looks ahead to the next chapter of its global ministry.