News & Media

THE proposed development of a Kittyhawk Museum has taken another step forward, the groundwork laid for potential grants that would ensure its lift-off.

In 2021, former Member for Mallee Ali Cupper secured $150,000, which was allocated to funding a case study for the project.

Mildura RSL manager of veterans’ services Paul Mensch said the past 18 months had been used to complete the document.

“The airport, the RAAF Museum, the Mildura RSL, Sunraysia Regional Development and Mildura Council have used that money and we have now finalised that case study,” he said.

“It’s quite an extensive document that will be used when submitting for funding, whether state or federal … the document that will be submitted to support the application.

“That has only been finalised in the past month so the next step will be to identify state and federal government grants, where funding could be sought to to make it a reality.”

For three years during the war, Mildura Aerodrome was the base for the Mildura No.2 Operational (Fighter) Training Unit, known as 2OTU.

New pilots were trained and subsequently headed off to war.

Mr Mensch said the museum would be an appropriate way to commemorate the region’s role in the war and would also provide education for anyone that visited.

“The project is extremely important to the whole region, it will be a massive drawcard especially if we have four to five aircraft or display aircraft that were flown here during World War 2,” Mr Mensch said.

“But probably, more importantly, continuing to tell the story of what happened here over 80 years ago, where 58 airmen and ground crew lost their lives.”

Meanwhile, the restoration of a 1950s Sabre jet, which has taken years, is expected to be complete in time for an airshow that takes off in Mildura in September.

“The Sabre was donated to us probably two years ago,” Mr Mensch said.

“That will go on display at the existing RAAF Museum, the RSL is paying for all the materials and everything that goes into bringing it back to life.

“Everyone at the Dareton Men’s Shed have done an absolutely magnificent job, especially because they often don’t have much time some weeks.”

The Sabre jet is expected to be completed by September.

Article written by: Joshua Riseley

Article provided by The Sunraysia Daily
https://www.sunraysiadaily.com.au