Hervey Bay’s very own becomes a Survivor Hero

GERRY Geltch is well known amongst the locals in Hervey Bay and the K’Gari community for being a pilot for more than 35 years.

He has also been in national newspapers at times surviving plane crashes with headlines such as “cheating death”, rescuing passengers and putting their lives before his own and many other events along our shorelines.

So why would he attempt one of the most physically challenging reality shows Survivor at the age of 65?

"The reason why I’m here to play is to prove to myself at my age I can do this. Number two, show other people around my age, don’t give it away. You can go and do new different things. This is all new to me as well," Mr Geltch said.

This year’s series is returning to the ‘Heroes vs Villians’ format where Gerry naturally sits with the Heroes comfortably by his record.

He has survived three plane crashes, once off the coast of K’Gari where he dived into the submerged plane to search for his trainee pilot.

Mr Geltch was very surprised by the approach from the producers at channel 10 but admits it was great timing for the offer.

“I wasn’t a Survivor fan…..I hadn’t seen a show. The first thing I did was watch over 200 hours of previous episodes which was great training. I was probably a bit flat at the time……..but I’ve always had a crack at anything.”

“It was the first time I was away from my business and technology for a length of time in 34 years……I bloody enjoyed it.”

Speaking with Mr Geltch after the launch party, it’s obvious that the experience has had a profound impact on him.

“I have a beautiful partner, a great family and I’m as fit as I can be, but this has really rejuvenated me”.

He has hinted at some exciting new career opportunities that have arisen since filming was completed and that includes more TV work.