Bendigo duo helps struggling small businesses as they fly all over the state

Bendigo's Garry Phillips and Glenn Bannister made it their goal 18 months ago to help people that are struggling in any way they could.

"I've been flying for about 40 years and I just love being up in the air," Mr Phillips said.

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"Glenn and I just like to hop in our planes and go on a nice flight and go some place to get a coffee before work.

"With COVID-19 the way it is, we know there are a lot of places and people struggling, so we wanted to help them."

Originally wanting to take a trip at least once a week, the pair made a list of places they'd heard of and seen that they wanted to visit.

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"We've been all over the state and even into NSW when the borders open," Mr Phillips said.

"And we have a list of places we'd like to go and some we have been to and want to continue going back to.

"From Kerang to Wycheproof to up in the mountains, we've been to so many lovely places."

The two men pack their bikes in their planes so they can get some exercise as well.

"Glenn is a paraplegic, so we pack a motor to attach to his wheelchair. It goes about 25 km/h," Mr Phillips said.

"And I ride my bike from the airport to whatever cafe or restaurant we're going to. It's quite lovely."

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Mr Phillips said the sceneries from above ground made each trip special.

"It's just beautiful up there," he said.

"The crops in most parts of the state are looking lovely this year and it's fantastic to see."

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