Fresh challenges now for centre
Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre volunteers will turn their attention to exploring ways of extending their headquarters at Nhill Aerodrome after successfully paying off their latest acquisition – a Second World War Wirraway aircraft.
The group will also look at ways of renovating a front entrance to the building, also home to an Avro Anson restoration project, de Havilland Tiger Moth, Link flight simulator and other historic memorabilia.
Centre spokesman John Deckert said between 1000 and 1500 people made the most of a community day at the aerodrome to welcome the Wirraway to its final resting place.
“The whole day was just marvelous,” he said.
“The most incredible thing was it was a full day where we supplied everything free of charge, yet donations on the day totalled about $25,500. It almost brought me to tears.
“Probably a thousand people coming in is a good estimate but others suggested, with people constantly coming and going, that it was closer to 1500.”
Mr Deckert said the donations ‘more than covered’ the $300,000 community cost of the historic Wirraway, which pilot Nick Caldwell flew in for owner Borg Sorensen of Tyabb.
“It’s been a wonderful effort by so many people to help us raise the money. It has been astounding,” he said.
Mr Deckert said toilet upgrades at the centre were underway and the build-fromscratch restoration of the Avro Anson would continue.
“There are a lot of other things we want to do but the Wirraway is now in the building and on display with everything else,” he said.
“Last week we had 86 people book to come through, which is the most we’ve ever had for weekly tours and we welcome more.”
People keen to find out more about tours and the centre in general can call 0490 657 770.
Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre is dedicated to preserving Nhill’s aviation and military history.
Nhill Aerodrome was the home of a Second World War training base where about 20,000 pilots learnt their flying skills.
At its height, the base was home to 32 Avro Anson and 18 Beaufort and Hudson bombers as well as Wirraways and Tiger Moths.