Berrigan Shire Council CEO Karina Ewer with Tocumwal Aviation Museum CEO Matt Henderson.
The historical significance of the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) presence in Tocumwal is being celebrated through the gift of an Aermacchi MB-326H advanced jet trainer to the Tocumwal Aviation Museum.
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RAAF Station Tocumwal holds a special place in the archives of Australian military history.
During World War II, it was the largest air base in the country and remains the largest base ever operated by the Royal Australian Air Force.
Tocumwal Aviation Museum founder and CEO Matt Henderson said the aircraft gifted was manufactured in 1971 by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation.
It served with distinction in several RAAF units, including Number 2 Flying Training School, Central Flying School, Number 2 Operational Conversion Unit, Number 76 Squadron, and the Rouletes Aerobatic team between 1967 and 2001.
“We are honoured that the Tocumwal Aviation Museum is to receive this historic aircraft, and we are extremely proud to be custodians of this important piece of aviation history,” Mr Henderson said.
The unveiling took place on Friday, with special dignitaries from Air Force Heritage including director Group Captain Peter Norford, deputy director disposals Wing Commander Bill Kirkwood and senior air force collection manager David Gardner.
Alex Sloane, along with fellow members of the Yarrawonga Mulwala Historical Society, and Matt Henderson.
The new aircraft is not the only donation received by the museum of late, with members of the Yarrawonga Mulwala Historical Society visiting recently to present newly emerged archival documents.
From his Sloane family archives, Alex Sloane unearthed old photographs, letters, government documents and newspapers which depicted the times when the RAAF seconded part of ‘Kilnyana’ for their target range.
Then owner Hugh Sloane agreed with the government proposal, which enabled the construction of defence works for gunnery practice by planes flown from the Tocumwal Air Base.
“The old documents are of far more value when housed with their original intent,” Mr Sloane said.
“Matt was most appreciative of this donation, which adds greatly to his varied displays.”
Mulwala’s own pioneer museum shares an interest with pioneering aviation, having an area designated for a 1912 biplane and other historic items.
