Gilgandra locals will get an up close look at the iconic C-130 Hercules this Sunday on 7 July to kick off NAIDOC Week.

The air-lifter will take off from Richmond Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base in Hawkesbury for a flight of around 90 minutes before performing flyovers and landing at Gilgandra Aerodrome around 10am.

It's the first time a Hercules has landed there for public tours since Reconciliation Week in 2019.

 RAAF Indigenous Liaison Officer, Corporal Rob Schultz, said the tours are about giving back to the community and representing Indigenous members of the Australian Defense Force (ADF).

"Sitting in the cockpit is always a hit," Corporal Schultz said.

"We're out there all the time doing our maneuvers, doing our training, so we want to set that jet down to invite the community out to say 'thank you.'

"Putting a bit of vibe, a bit of spark, into the community and to put some smiles on some faces, I love that."

Gilgandra locals line up for the tours when they last ran in 2019. IMAGE: RAAF 

Children at the free event will be able to hop into the pilot seat and chat to the crew of the transport, which depending on the configuration can carry up to 124 passengers.

Families will also be treated to rugby stardom when NRLW Paramatta Eels centre Mahalia Murphy and former NRL Manly Seas Eagles five-eight Cliff Lyons hop off the plane with members of the Royal Australian Air Force, Navy and Army.

The two have worn the green and gold on the rugby field, Mahalia for both league and union.

"It's nothing too formal," Corporal Schutlz said.

"Hopefully some people will learn some stuff and we inspire some people to take some good steps in the right direction. Doesn't matter if it's not joining the military."

There will also be friendly footy and a free sausage sizzle before the Hercules lifts off at around 12:30pm.

The landing had been planned on 2 June for this year's Reconciliation Week, but was postponed due to poor weather.

The tours had fallen by the wayside since COVID.

"I came into my role last year. I didn't do it then because I was just getting to the role and was pretty busy. Now that I've settled into that seat, I can do more," Corporal Schutlz said.

"It's time to get back to it."