The Albanese Government is providing another $1 million for Little Wings to help seriously ill children in regional communities access the health care they need.
The funding will extend the Government’s support for Little Wings for a further two years, helping families across regional NSW, Queensland and the ACT access the specialist health care their children need.
The Government will also match every dollar raised by 12-year-old Dusty Langby, who has walked an incredible 540 kilometres from Warren, NSW to Parliament House in Canberra in support of Little Wings.
Little Wings provides free aeromedical and ground transport and specialist outreach clinics for families living outside major cities, helping remove distance as a barrier to essential health care.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Health and Ageing, Mark Butler announced the funding today as they welcomed Dusty to Parliament House after his remarkable journey.
Dusty has raised over $500,000 for Little Wings, with the Albanese Government matching that amount dollar-for-dollar and doubling the impact of his fundraising effort.
Dusty was joined in his walk by his mother Sarah Langby, a Registered Nurse, Little Wings Chief Executive Officer Clare Pearson, local nurse Christine Letton, Little Wings nurse Nichole Callan, and other members of his support crew.
The new $1 million investment will extend the Government’s support for Little Wings for a further two years, helping the organisation continue its vital work for children and families across regional NSW, Queensland and the ACT.
The Albanese Government has been a proud supporter of Little Wings since 2022. In the 2022-23 Budget, the Government committed $4.3 million to Little Wings for the purchase of an additional aircraft and $2.5 million in operational funding from 2022‑23 to 2026-27.
In 2025-26 alone, the Albanese Government supported 350 Little Wings missions. This included 296 hospital flights and 54 outreach specialist clinics, helping 1,260 families to access specialist care closer to home.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
“Dusty has done something extraordinary and has walked 540 kilometres to help seriously ill children and their families.
“My Government will match every dollar Dusty has raised so his incredible effort can make an even bigger difference.
“On top of that, my Government will invest another $1 million to keep Little Wings flying and help regional families get their children the care they need.
“Dusty has shown that you’re never too young to make a difference and we’re proud to back Little Wings and the work they do.”
Minister Mark Butler:
“The Albanese Government has supported Little Wings because for families facing the unimaginable, Little Wings is a beacon of hope, delivering swift and secure transport during their most trying moments.
“Dusty’s extraordinary effort has shown no parent should worry about distance, affordability and reliability when it comes to their child’s health care.
“The extension of support for Little Wings reflects our Government’s commitment to strengthening the health infrastructure that binds our nation together.
“Little Wings helps to ensure no child’s health is compromised by distance or location.”
Assistant Minister Emma McBride:
“Where a child lives should never determine the health care they can access.
“This additional funding will help Little Wings continue supporting children and families who rely on these vital services, it was a pleasure to meet Dusty yesterday and recognize his outstanding advocacy in person.
“The Albanese Labor Government is committed to delivering quality, affordable and reliable health care for all Australians, wherever they live.”
Senator Deborah O’Neill:
“The Albanese Labor Government continues to deliver for regional Australia.
“I am proud to be a member of the Labor Government that listens to strong regional advocates like Dusty and invests in quality health care for regional Australians.
“Dusty has inspired communities across New South Wales and should be incredibly proud of what he has accomplished.”