At a time when many businesses are cutting back, one Northern Rivers operator is doing the opposite — investing heavily in family fun.

A giant inflatable park set up at Ballina Coast High School last weekend drew strong crowds, marking the local debut of “Airheads”.

The large-scale attraction is the creation of Woodburn locals Jesse Flanagan and his wife Cassie, who have steadily built a business from humble beginnings.

What started as a single jumping castle 11 years ago has grown into a multi-faceted entertainment operation now trading as Northern Rivers Jumping Castles.

The 38-year-old father of four said he personally designs many of the attractions, developing concepts he believes will stand out in a competitive market.

It’s also very much a family operation, with all four of his children involved — helping out on event days and putting new ideas to the test.

Mr Flanagan said the goal was always to think bigger.

“Well, we’ve grown from jumping castles and then gone to amusement rides,” he said.

“Things like the cup and saucer, a mechanical bull and a mobile rock-climbing wall.”

“I just wanted to go big and have Australia’s biggest obstacle course.”

Building a business in tough conditions

The expansion comes at a time when many small businesses are under pressure from rising costs and economic uncertainty.

Mr Flanagan said the industry had not been immune.

“Fuel’s a big one at the moment but public liability insurance is the biggest one,” he said.

“It’s jumped up 400 per cent within the last three years.”

Despite that, the business continues to grow, employing a team of about 10 local workers for major events.

Above: The Airheads pumped up at Alstonville Showground in 2025, where it will next return mid year.

Setting up Airheads requires three trucks, large generators and significant logistics — a far cry from its early days as a backyard hire business.

Mr Flanagan said strong relationships within the industry had also helped navigate challenges.

“I know them all and we’re all in the same industry,” he said.

“We work together and bounce off each other if we need to.”

Rebuilding after floods

The business also faced a major setback during the 2022 Northern Rivers floods, which damaged much of its equipment in Woodburn.

“We had to rebuild everything and had hardly any government help,” Mr Flanagan said.

He said repairs to a single ride could cost about $50,000, with no insurance coverage available for some equipment.

Despite the losses, the business has continued to expand.

Backing family experiences

Each Airheads session is capped to avoid overcrowding, with most bookings made online.

Families can bring picnics or buy food from on-site trucks, with shaded areas set up across the venue.

Local resident Andrew Gill said the event delivered a clear benefit for the community.

“It’s good for the kids, it’s good for their families and it’s good for Ballina,” he said.

“The more of these events you’ve got for families, the better.”

Andrew Gill

Danielle Slegh

Parent Danielle Slegh said the event ran smoothly and kept children entertained.

“They’ve pumped it through really, really well, no long queues,” she said.

“I haven’t really seen her the whole time, she loved the rides and the rock climbing.”

Expansion plans

Mr Flanagan said the business is now looking beyond the Northern Rivers.

“One day I’d love to take it on the road,” he said.

He has already received interest from regional councils in Queensland and northern NSW.

Airheads is set to return to the region, with its next event planned for Alstonville Showground in July.