A dream flight for East Fremantle man

AVID aviation enthusiast Sean Collins had his dream of taking to the skies come true with a scenic helicopter flight around Perth.

Mr Collins has autism and an intellectual disability and went on his flight after being granted a wish from Rocky Bay’s Wishing Tree.

The 27-year-old stays twice a week at Rocky Bay’s respite guest house, The Beach House.

The Beach House’s lead support worker Heather Harrower said she submitted a wish on Sean’s behalf.

“Sean’s favourite outing when staying at The Beach House is going to Jandakot Airport to watch the planes or to Rotorvation and Rous Head in Fremantle to check out the helicopters,” she said.

“He loves to talk about them and take staff to Rotorvation every chance he can get.”

She said the helicopter ride was an experience he would never forget.

“It helps his communication skills because he likes to talk about it with other people,” she said.

“He has a photo album from the helicopter ride that he displays on his bench every time he comes into our respite.

“This shows that this experience has meant a lot to Sean.”

Ms Harrower said she has seen his behaviour come a long way since his regular stays, which began four years ago.

“When I first met Sean, he found it difficult to initiate conversation and complete simple tasks without verbal prompting,” she said.

“ Now, Sean not only now engages in conversation, but he calls people by their name, makes his own drinks and has learnt to manage change on a more appropriate level.”