NHILL

AVIATION

HERITAGE

CENTRE INC.

2018

AGM

Annual Report

2017-2018

AGM held at the

Nhill RSL Soldier’s Lounge,

Clarence Street, Nhill

October 11, 2018

Enquiries: 0490 657 770

Photos: Jennifer Goldsworthy

NHILL AVIATION HERITAGE

CENTRE INC.

Vision:

To have a world class, community owned tourist attraction and learning centre that

celebrates Nhill’s aviation heritage.

Mission:

To highlight the significant role of aviation in the history and ongoing

development of Nhill. To research and record the history of the RAAF Air School in Nhill

from 1941 to 1946 within the broader context of Nhill’s aviation and Aerodrome history.

To Collect Air School artefacts for display in secure premises. To acquire and restore an

Avro Anson aeroplane, leaving it as a legacy to this and future generations.

Values:

Community: To engage and support our local community and the worldwide

community of aviation enthusiasts.

Collaboration: To work together across communities, clubs and organisations.

Integrity: To always act with integrity and in accordance with our vision and

values.

Hospitality: To ensure everyone, visitor or member, is made welcome and is invited

to share our Aviation history.

BOARD OF MANAGEMENT 2017 - 18

President: Rob Lynch #

Vice President: Len Creek #

Secretary: Jennifer Goldsworthy #

Treasurer: Richard Lane #

Mike Kingwill #

Neil Thomas #

Graham Drage

John Deckert

Merv Schneider

Trevor Borgelt

Craig Henley

Don Munro

# Denotes retiring Board Members who are eligible for re-election.

AGENDA

1. Welcome and opening.

2. Apologies.

3. Minutes of previous Annual General Meeting, 20th October, 2016

4. Presentation of Reports:

4.1 Presidents report - Rob Lynch

4.2 Treasurers report - Richard Lane

The following reports are included as a way of keeping you informed of progress:

• Avro Anson Report - Mike Kingwill

• Link Trainer Report - Neil Thomas

• Building Sub-Committee report - Len Creek

• Volunteer Co-ordinator report - Jenny Creek

• Aeradio building restoration report - Roger Meyer

• Wirraway Project Report - John Deckert

5. Election of Board of Management members.

6. Appointment of Auditor.

7. Guest Speaker - Aidan Leahy

• Aidan Started work as a apprentice plant mechanic.

• Moved to Cosworth Engineering, first as engine builder then

research and development.

• 1981 TTS Engineering, number 1 tuning shop for motorcycles, UK

Suzuki racing team.

• Travel from England to Hong Kong in 1998, 13 countries by

bicycle, 23,000 kms in 14 months.

• LPE 2, building F1 engines for the Minardi F1 team, Mark Weber

and Fernando Alonso, 2000 - 2003.

• 2003 from England to Iran, 6 months then kidnapping. 1 month as

captive.

• 2003 to 2006 China as a teacher.

8. Supper and time to talk.

NHILL AVIATION HERITAGE CENTRE ASSOCIATION INC.

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON

THURSDAY 26 OCTOBER, 2017 NHILL CFA CONFERENCE ROOM, NHILL

Welcome and Opening:

Rob Lynch, President declared the meeting opened at 7.35 pm and welcomed everyone to the 8th

Annual Meeting of the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre Inc.

Present:

Cr. Ron Lowe, Cr. David Colbert, President Rob Lynch, Secretary Jennifer Goldsworthy Treasurer

Richard Lane, John Deckert, Bev Deckert, Joyce Lane, Laurie Schneider, Merv Schneider OAM,

Shirley Schneider, Max Carland, Neil Thomas, Len Creek, Jenny Creek, Graham Drage, Trevor

Borgelt, Bob Meek, Peter McDonald, Daryl Hall, Mike Kingwill, Ellis Dart, Julie Colbert, Dick

Smith, John Hensley, Noella Smith, Clive Crouch OAM, Basil Wagg, Neville Bothe, Alan King,

Errol Laverty, Kaye Scott, Alan Scott, and Kent Goldsworthy.

Apologies:

Emma Kealy MP, Malcolm Burns, Phil King, Bill Holswich, Mayor Debra Nelson, Joan Bennett,

George Bennett, Ron Griffin, Helen Woodhouse-Herrick, Brian Creek and Ray “Whimpey”

Reichelt.

Neil Thomas Moved that the apologies be accepted, Seconded Richard Lane.

CARRIED:

Minutes of the Previous Annual General Meeting – 20 October, 2016:

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting, held on 20 October, 2016 were taken as read and

confirmed on the Motion of John Deckert, Seconded Bob Meek.

CARRIED:

Presentation of President’s 2016-2017 Annual Report - Rob Lynch, President:

President Rob Lynch presented the 2016-2017 Annual Report. Highlights for the year included

fundraising for the Wirraway Project:-

Military Rendezvous and Monster Raffle - $11,777

Horsham Garage Sale run by West Wimmera Blue Lounge Social Club and raffle - $4,345.00

Nhill Golf Club social day and BBQ - $1,348.

Rob thanked all organisers and volunteers for their contribution to the abovementioned

successful events and recognised the efforts of the Ahrens Hangar volunteers who enabled

over 1600 people to visit the NAHC during the last financial year.

Rob also thanked Board Members for their effort, support and encouragement throughout the

year as well as their help with the various projects and thanked retiring Board Member Julie

Colbert for her contribution.

Len Creek Moved that the President’s Report be received, Seconded Trevor Borgelt.

CARRIED:

Treasurer’s Report 2016-2017 – Richard Lane, Treasurer:

Refer to attached report.

Richard Lane Moved that the financial report be received, Seconded Neil Thomas.

CARRIED:

Election of Board of Management Members for 2017-2019:

One vacancy was declared due to the retirement of Julie Colbert. Three vacancies were declared

owing to the effluxion of time. Nominations were received from three retiring members Graham

Drage, Merv Schneider and Trevor Borgelt who were all re-elected unopposed.

Appointment of Auditor:

Richard Lane Moved that Jon Mock of Nankivell Associates be appointed Auditor for 2017-2018,

Seconded Jennifer Goldsworthy.

CARRIED:

Rob Lynch introduced Len Creek as guest speaker.

Guest Speaker – Len Creek:

Len Creek gave a very informative address, highlighting the significance of the Tiger Moth in

Nhill’s Aviation History and some of his childhood memories. Len then invited Max Carland, who

was a voluntary instructor at the Wimmera Aero Club for many years to address the audience.

Max described the method of communication used in a Tiger Moth. In closing, Len Creek advised

that there are still 1,000 Tiger Moths left from the 9,000 built and he has been lucky enough to

purchase one, which will be displayed at the Ahrens Hangar.

Rob thanked Len and Max for their presentations and advised that Mike Kingwill has completed

the first wing spar on the Avro Anson.

Promotion – “Wheels for the Wirraway”

John Deckert promoted the “Wheels for the Wirraway” event which will be held on the long

weekend on Saturday March 10th, 2018. The NAHC will also have a presence at the Nhill Lions

Market Day in November 2017.

Rob Lynch thanked everyone for their attendance.

The meeting closed at 8.34 pm.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Only when you look back on a year do you realise how much has been achieved by a small group

of volunteers who work quietly and constantly with their individual efforts and talents; that when

accumulated for one cause add up to another year of great achievements. So let me start with a

huge thank you to all board members and volunteers who have contributed to those great

achievements. Thank you also has to go to the people of the community and beyond for their

ongoing generosity and support, especially for the purchase and arrival of Wirraway A20-722.

It is with much pleasure that we have recently welcomed two new members to the NAHC board

of management, Craig Henley and Don Munro. We very much look forward to working with you

in the future.

November 3, 2017 saw the arrival of Len Creek’s life long dream...a Tiger Moth. Len fly’s the

aircraft regularly and when not flying, it can be seen on display at the Ahrens Hangar. Thanks to

the Creek family, who provided the last link in the chain, we now have the four main training

aircraft used at Nhill during WWII on display - the Avro Anson, Wirraway, Tiger Moth and Link

Trainer. This is a line up that I never thought possible at Nhill - What an achievement!

March 10, 2018 the Wheels for the Wirraway event led by John Deckert and Jenny Creek

supported generously by the community realised another $20,000 toward the purchase price of

the Wirraway. Again many thanks to the volunteers who helped over the preceding months and

on the day.

April 28, 2018 was one of the most beautiful days I think I can remember, and that was just the

weather. The arrival of the Wirraway made national news. No one except Borg Sorenson will

ever know how close we came to not receiving the Wirraway. If it wasn’t for Borg being in the

aircraft and the only one knowing the emergency procedure for deploying wheels down after a

hydraulic failure, we would not have had the aircraft delivered on that day and possibly not at all.

Approx 73 aircraft and 2000 people turned up to witness the arrival. As a thank you to the

community for their support and contributions it was decided to put on a free day with a free

BBQ for all to enjoy. Ironically at the end of the “free” day there was another $26000 donated

which brought the tally for the Wirraway to the magic figure of $300,000. Perfectly timed and

adding to the beauty of the day. John Deckert’s dream for the NAHC came true thanks to his

tireless efforts and the efforts of the Sub-Committee, volunteers and of course the community of

Nhill. Since the arrival of the Wirraway there has been a significant increase in visitor numbers.

After nearly ten years of unrelenting dedication to the restoration of Avro Anson W2364, project

manager Mike Kingwill still ceases to amaze us with his ability to make things appear from no

where. The latest example being the starboard (right wing) which has done just that, and at the

time of writing is almost complete. Thank you Mike and your assistants for your commitment,

talent and tenacity in bringing this project to this point.

Neil Thomas is one of the few people who realise the significance of the Link Trainer. There is no

way of knowing how many lives these units saved during the coarse of WWII. These trainers

allowed pilots to make mistakes and live and learn from them. The alternative was to make the

same mistake in an aircraft and die. Thanks to Neil and his commitment to make weekly trips from

Hall’s Gap (over an hour each way) for several years, and his unequalled knowledge, we now

have one working Link Trainer on display in the Ahren’s Hangar and one that is very close to

completion.

The Airadio and Radio Range buildings have received a transformation thanks to the unstoppable

Merv Schneider, Len Creek, and new board member Craig Henley. They have been putting in

copius amounts of hours getting the Airadio and Radio Range buildings back into original shape

with both buildings going from derelict to pristine. Thank you Merv, Len and Craig.

A storage container was purchased and put in place at the north end of the Ahren Hanger before

being extensively modified and painted by Len. I don’t know where he finds the time.

Due to the increase in visitors and many group bookings a decision to revamp and upgrade the

toilets was made by the board at their own expense with assistance from the Shire. Once again

Len Creek took on this project and is now almost complete. Thank you Len.

The Recreational Vehicle camping area has been another NAHC project with council installing

outdoor tables and benches, along with an information booth erected by the NAHC. The parking

area has undergone a makeover of levelling and covering with topsoil to be sown down with grass

which will make this area much more user friendly.

During the year we hosted Kitty Owens, a roving curator from Museums Victoria, who spent three

days analysing our heritage centre. She produced a report on management of displays,

presentation and cataloguing. This is proving to be very valuable to the setting out of the NAHC

displays.

Another project of the NAHC Board is the erection of a new Front Entrance to the Aerodrome.

This will be a memorial to those service personnel who served and trained at the Nhill air school

during WWII. The Memorial entrance will also promote public knowledge of the site and assist

people to gain a more rewarding experience during their visit as well as enhancing the aesthetics of

the area considerably.

Max Carland, one of our inaugural board members, retired from the board during the last year. I

would like to thank Max for his dedication, enthusiasm, support and encouragement over the last

9 years. Having Max on the board helped ensure that the NHAC remained true to our goals and

achieved authentic outcomes.

Jean Roberts was responsible for helping with the setting up of the board of management, the

constitution and the policies and procedures of the NAHC, ensuring it was set up responsibly to

ensure longevity of the organisation. Sadly Jean passed away recently and our condolences were

sent to her family.

At the last NAHC Board meeting it was decided that we would hold an open day on Saturday

November 3rd, 2018 at the Nhill Aerodrome with a free BBQ lunch for all to enjoy, to recognise

and celebrate the 10th anniversary of the inception of the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre Inc. We

can all be very proud of what has been achieved for our community in just 10 years.

2019 will mark 100 years since the beginning of Nhill’s Aviation Heritage with the first aircraft

landing at Nhill on the Racecourse in November 1919. To mark this occasion the NAHC will be

holding a “Nhill Air Show: Celebrating the Centenary of Aviation in Nhill”. This event will take

place on 26th of October, 2019.

The community support over the last year including the raising of the funds to purchase the

Wirraway and the attendances at events held, shows us that the people of Nhill have taken

ownership of the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre.

I would like to say a huge thank you to all on the Secretarial team, Jennifer Goldsworthy, the

secretary of the board, Noella Smith the minute secretary, Emily Donnell the Membership

coordinator, Jenny Creek the Coordinator of volunteers and group bookings, Mike Kingwill who

is the Ahrens Hangar Manager and also Richard Lane the treasurer. The unseen hours of work

done by these people is never obvious to the public but without them we could not survive.

These people are all part of the system that creates these great achievements.

President

Rob Lynch

FINANCIAL REPORT

Annual Anson Report 2018.

How time flies pardon the pun, but

it only seems like six months ago our

last annual meeting was held. Since

the last report the starboard engine

cowlings and frames had just been

completed, followed by the rear

bomb doors and its framework. The

timber from Mount Gambier was

ripped down to a taper and squared

off at the ends fitting into the metal

sub frames which had been

completed in 2013, the starboard

wing was started in September 2017

and is almost finished covering of

the plywood and painting is being

done at this moment. As usual John

Boden from Adelaide helped out

with small items for the wing.

Crucial parts for the Anson have

been found on good old Ebay main

parts being the two large

dynogenerators for the radio unit

and a glass aerial input unit both of

these came from overseas and just

missed out on the new goods and service tax implemented on July 1st

.

Mike Kingwill

Anson Project

Manager

Photo Mike Kingwill

Photo Jennifer Goldsworthy

LINK TRAINER REPORT

The past 12 months has seen

noticeable progress in the

restoration off both Link

Trainers.

A13-60 has been fully

covered with new fabric and

all bellows restored with

new material. This trainer is

operating fully except for the

radio navigation electronics.

Owing to the storage

conditions over the past

several years, severe damage

has been done to associated

electronic components due

to corrosion and attack by

vermin. It is considered that

to restore this piece of equipment is not worth the expense and man hours that would be

required, even assuming that some components are still available. The recorder on the Instructors

table is also functional.

Link Trainer A13-60 is now ready for collection by the owners. This marks the end of the 5 year

agreement with them. This trainer has been demonstrated many times to visitors.

Following completion of the first trainer, all effort is being applied to A13-54. The fuselage was

completely stripped to facilitate restoration of all components. A number of parts were also

missing. Having the other trainer it was possible to copy and make some missing items.

Link trainers on arrival at Nhill

Photo Neil Thomas

Link trainers in August 2018

Photo Jennifer Goldsworthy

Some structural repair was necessary to the fuselage and modifications made to install sliding type

access panels which replace the original zipper panels in the old fabric covering. All bellows have

been restored with new bellows fabric obtained from a pianola parts supplier in Sydney. This

trainer is now moving in all three axis under it own pneumatic power source.

Operation of the instrument systems has been a different story. The Airspeed, Altimeter and Rate

of Climb instruments are operated by a dedicated Telegon Oscillator power source. Namely 70

volts AC at 700 cycles per second. It was necessary to rewire two transformers and replace other

components with modern equivalents. Thanks of appreciation are due to Bill Day and Brian

Farmers for their valued expertise and time.

These particular instruments have caused problems in both trainers. It has been necessary to source

replacements from the USA and locally. Most museums who have spares are understandably

reluctant to part with them. Again owing to the age of these instruments some purchased

replacements were also un-serviceable. The nature of their construction makes their internal servo

motors non repairable. Corrosion of the multi pin electrical connectors is also a problem.

The Instructors table for this trainer was missing

and we have been fortunate that one was made

available from the Nhill Aero Club. A new cockpit

seat for A13-54 was made by the Nhill Mens Shed

and was reupholstered by Joe Goodwin from

Kaniva.

Once all problems have been rectified the fuselage

can be recovered. The wings and tail surfaces are

ready to be covered.

I wish to express my

appreciation for valuable

assistance given by Mike

Kingwill, Len Creek, Bill

Day, Brian Farmers and

Alan Conquer.

Neil Thomas,

Link Trainer

Project Manager.

Photo Jennifer Goldsworthy

Link Trainer A13-54 which will remain the property of the NAHC

Photo Jennifer Goldsworthy

BUILDING SUB COMMITTEE REPORT

Over the past twelve months a number of projects have been in place.

A shipping container has been positioned to the north of the Ahren’s Hangar to be used for

additional storage space.

The original toilet block is in the process of being upgraded to include three extra cubicles for

ladies.

The next priority is to build an entrance porch on the south end of the Ahren’s Hangar.

Len Creek

Building Sub Committee convener

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR’S REPORT

The Ahren’s Hangar continues to be open from 10am -4pm every weekend and on public

holidays. We are very fortunate to have a team of twenty-four NAHC Board members and

volunteers who willingly give of their time to welcome and host visitors. Two people are rostered

on as ‘hosts’ each day, so that generally each person takes a turn once a month. New volunteers

who enjoy being with people and have an interest in Nhill’s aviation history are always welcome

to join the team.

This year there has been a marked increase in the number of visitors to the Ahren’s Hangar

especially since the arrival of the Wirraway. The free RV camping area at the aerodrome has also

attracted numerous visitors during weekdays, while over the past twelve months more than

twenty groups from all over Victoria and interstate booked in for guided tours. Thank you to

those who have hosted these groups.

In February a ‘NAHC Volunteers Afternoon’ was well attended, and has become an important

annual event for updating volunteers.

Jenny Creek

NAHC Volunteers Coordinator

WIRRAWAY APPEAL FINAL REPORT

The story of the Wirraway goes back to 2009 when Don Kube’s wild scheme to stage a Fly-in was

accepted by the Board and turned out to be a huge success. I didn’t believe it would happen, but

it did and the Wirraway was one of the planes that visited. In 2012 the NAHC staged another Fly-

in and the Wirraway performed again and while Borg Sorensen was relaxing at the end of the day

he said that he was going to sell the

Wirraway some-day. In 2015 the

NAHC staged what may have been

the largest air-show that was ever

organised at Nhill and the

Wirraway visited again. This time

Borg was quite firm in his resolve to

sell his beautiful aircraft and he said

that he would like it to go to a

museum where it would be cared

for, run occasionally, but not flown.

The NAHC Board responded very

positively but no one knew how we

were going to achieve what was

really a dream.

Mike Kingwill was the first to put words into action and came up with the idea that we only

needed 300 people who would donate $1,000 each. He soon had about 20 names on a list and

the Board decided the next step was to have an official launch. Almost 100 people attended the

launch on 25th March 2016 and I think we had an additional 15 promises by the end of the night.

Asking for $1,000 may have been a stroke of genius. It was always known that not everyone

could afford a large donation but asking for a large sum made people realise that it was a big

project and it needed big money. Various events were organised by the Golf Club, Lions, Rotary

Market Day, the Shire screened Dunkirk and the Combined Masonic Lodges ran a raffle and set up

a Monster Garage Sale. The NAHC staged a Military Vehicle Rendezvous and Wheels for the

Wirraway. One of the most unexpected contributions came from the Lutheran School Children

who organised their own fund-raising events and donated about $2000. To all the people who

helped and all those I have missed please accept thanks from the NAHC Board.

It is important to mention that the Board backed this project with a serious donation of $32,000

that had been raised for other

projects prior to the Wirraway

even being thought about.

Although this has depleted the

NAHC reserves, the Wirraway

Project was considered a ‘once-in-

a-lifetime’ chance that was

unlikely ever to be available again

and the decision to use that

money was passed unanimously.

It must also be said that the Board

was astounded by the generosity

of the people who joined us on

the day the Wirraway flew to

Nhill on its final journey. It was

promoted as a free day when

President Don Kube dreaming. Chris Weeks photo

Original 722 in 1957. Bob Howe photo

everything that the Board had control over was free. Estimates vary widely as to how many

people came to the Aerodrome to make it a wonderful day but the unexpected generosity of

people donating $50 for a free sausage, paying $100 for free entry and writing out cheques for the

Treasurer left us almost speechless when the day’s takings were realised at $26,000.

The results of the Wirraway Appeal have been discussed by the Board and it is generally agreed

that no project has raised this much money within two years other than for a hospital, a school or

a church. Certainly, few people would ever believe that $300,000 could be raised, mainly from

Nhill but with some help from surrounding communities and without any Government assistance

in less than two years for something as useless as an aeroplane that we may never fly. I do not

have the words to adequately thank all the people who helped purchase this aircraft for Nhill.

Wirraway A20-722 is a world class-aircraft for a world-standard display. It is believed that Nhill

will be the only place in the World that will have fully operational to taxying standard, a

Wirraway, an Avro Anson, a privately-owned Tiger Moth and a Link Trainer all displayed on a

former RAAF Training Base. This is a community achievement that is hard to believe.

Congratulations to all who were involved. Your continuing participation will be greatly

appreciated.

John Deckert.

Wirraway Appeal Convenor.

Rebuilt 722 flying to Nhill 28th April 2018.

Jennifer Goldsworthy photo

A big thank you to the people who have donated

Albrecht, G.N. Alexander, W. E. & N.M. Anderson, L. & M. Anderson, Malcolm J. Andrew, R.L. & D.F. Andrews, Jules Antwerp Hall Committee Argall, Daryl Arthur, Graeme Bannister, Peter Barber, Graham Beacom, Bruce Beacom, H.A. & P. M. Bell, M.A. & M.J. Bennett, Joan & George Bentley Group Berry, Henry Bertuna, H. Binns, K.G. & N.F. Blackwood, Bob Blackwood, Lindsay & Shirley Bohden, John Bone, G.S. & C. Bone, J. & F. Bone, Len Borgelt, Joyce Borgelt, Neville Borgelt, Nola Borgelt, Trevor Bound, Bill Bowden, R. H. Bowe, Chappie & Zona Braendler, M.K. & A.C, Brand, Tony H.A.S Brenton, Robin Bridgewater, Hazel Bull, A.

Bullen, Jack Bunge, Rex Burk, Royden & Rosemary Butler, Shane Financials But, Greg & Janet Canterbury Air Force Association Carter, Stephen CFA, Nhill Champness, Anne Chandler, Dawn Chehade, Mark Clark, G. J. Clark, L.G & J. M. Clark, G.D & R.L. Clark, J. & R. Clark, J.M. & O.A. Clark, Tony Clarke, Douglas Clarke, Roger Clarkson, John Closter, Mal & Karen Colbert K.D. & M.J. Colbert Irene Colbert, Andrew & Julie Cook, Charlie Cook, P. Cramer, Merv Cramer, Pam. Crammond, A. Crittenden, G. & C. Creek, Brian Creek, Len & Jenny Cross, Chad Cross, Ian Crouch, Laurie & Ruth Crowhurst, Dennis & Wendy Currie, D. & M.

Dahlenburg, Austin Dahlenburg, Chris Dahlenburg, R. & M. Daring, Ian Dart, Ellis Dave’s Auto Electrical Dean, Wes & Leith Deckert, Craig Deckert, Jason Deckert, John & Bev Deckert John (in memory of Glenn) Deckert, Wayne Dickinson, M. & A. Dickinson, L. & J. Dickinson, Phillip Dimboola & District Funeral Services Dodds, Ritchie & Tarrah Donnell, David & Emily Donnell, S.W.& G.P. Dorrington Family Doudle, Robert Duperouzel, P. & J. Drage, Graham & Judy Dufty, Bryan & Jenny Dufty, B. & S. Dufty, Clive Dufty, Mary Dunstan, M. & Lowe, C. Duthie, R. & H. Eastick, Geoff Eastick, R.J. & C.M. Elgas, Horsham Elliott, Barry Everard, Bill & Kirsty Farmers B. & R. Farmers, J. Farmers, K. Farmers, S. & N. Ferris, Lionel Field, G.J. & E.B. Fischer, David Fischer, Frank Fischer, Jan Fischer, Jill (in memory of Colin) Fischer, Jim & Jay Forsyth, D. Forty Winks, Horsham Fritsch, Don Gilmore, B.

Gladdis, Y. Glatz, Gloria Goldsworthy, K. & J. Gordon, E.R. & L. M. Goudie, Robert Grace, P. & J. Grayling, Laurie & Norma Green Taylor Partners Gulline, Graeme Hall, Darrell Hall, Gary Hancox, Gwyneth Handbury, Geoff Harding, Robert Hatherly, Winton Hayes, Brian & Joanne Heard, J.B. & M.J. Heenan, J.R. Henley, Craig Henry, Rod Henseleit, P. Hensley, John Hinchcliffe, Les Hindmarsh Shire Council Holswich, William HOME Hardware Horsham Aero Club Hot Spark Fabrications Hubbard, L. & J. Supa IGA, Nhill Ismay, Ron James, Trevor Janetzkie, L. Jarred, Mavis Jarred, Rex Jeparit Mopoke club Inc. Jones, Christopher D. Jones, Rod & Lyn Jones, Tom Jordan, Noel Judd, Sheila JVJ Holdings Pty. Ltd. (Union Hotel, Nhill) Keam, Mary (in memory of Graeme) Keaveny, Jane Kennedy, J. D. & C.M. Kerber, Neil & Debbie Kerr, D. W. & A. King, Mrs S. (in memory of Alister) Kingwill, Mike

Koop, Keith Koop, Michael & Kathy Koop, Peter Koop, Trevor & Coralie Krause, G. & K. Krelle, Connie Lane, Richard & Joyce Lange, K. Laverty, E. & J. Leeke, J. Little Desert Rodders Lowe, Ron Lynch, Brian Lynch, Rob Macaulay, Theda Mackenzie, G. E. Mackenzie, John Mackenzie, Ken Mackenzie, Lynton Mackenzie, R. J. McRae, Ian Magrath, John Magrath, M. Maloney, Sharon Marburg, Stephen Marshall, Di Marshall, L. & B. Marshall, L. G. Marra, Jason & Angela Maxwell, Q.A. & J. K. McCarthy, P. McDonald, P. McEvoy, B. & L. McLeod, A. McRae, Ian Merrett, Colin & Shirley Millington, John & Margaret Moar, Murray MOR Accountants Morrison, David Morrison, Geoff Morrison, Ken & Sharyn Morrow, Bev Mulhallens Hardware & Electrical Muller, Bruce & Sandra Murray & Nankivell Newcombe, Paul Nhill Aero Club Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre

Nhill & District Funerals Nhill & District Sports Club Nhill Fire Brigade Nhill Golf Club Nhill Lion’s Club Nhill Lutheran School Nhill Men’s Shed Nhill Pharmacy Nhill Rotary Club Nhill Sub Branch RSL Nhill Taxi Service Nuske, Bryan & Yvonne O’Reilly, Kevin Orford, Peg Orton, John & Lilla Osborne, Gayle Otto, Don & Bev Ouslvey, Harry & Michael Parker, K.R. Partington, J. & W. Pasons, David & Mark Perry, Bill Pilgrim, Don & Lois Pirie Fodder Supplies Platt, Arthur Pohlner, Murray & Bev Pohlner, Rodney Pola, Bill Pola, Geoff & Loata Potter, D. & J. Price, G. & B. Puckridge, Michael Redford family Reid, Neil Reichelt, Joan & Edwin Reichelt, Ken Reichelt, Steven Reichelt, Whimpey Repco, Horsham Rethus, Ray & Bev Rich, G. Ridgewell, K. & J. Rintoule, Andrew & Karen Rowe, D. Rowe, Max Ruge, P. Ryan, Dr Lawrence Ryan, Paul & Nancy Sanders, Harold & Evelyn

Sanders, Alf Sanders, Mark (in Memory of Alf) Sanders, Paul (in Memory of Alf) Sanders, Wayne (in Memory of Alf) Scarfe, S. Schneider, Nathan Schneider, Laurie Schneider, P. & N. Schneider, Steven Schneider, Sue Schultz, Andrew & Kayleen Schultz, Anthony Schultz, Barry (Fire Watch Wimmera) Schultz, Craig Schultz, Eric Schultz family in memory of Eric & Doris. Schultz, Greg & Jeanette Schultz, Jemma Schultz, Ken & Jean Schultz, Lachlan Schultz, Susan Schwarz, T. & M. Scott, A. & K. Scroop, Joan Searle, G. & R. Semmler, Lorraine SES, Nhill Shelton & Lane, Horsham Sherwell, Rob Simmons, Joe Smith, A. Smith, Dick (Minimay) Smith, Fred & Linda Domanscenz South Australian Aviation Museum Stanford, Dale & Chris Stephan, Ann Stephan, Vonni (in Memory of Irene

Matthews) Stephan, Vonni Stephan, Ian & Lesley Stonehouse, W. Super Cheap Auto Symes, D.F. & M. J. P/L. Thomas, Neil Thomson, Dr. Jim

Thompson, Stephen R Tompkins, D. Ussing, Jo Voluntary Taxi, Nhill Wagg, Basil Walker, Jeff Wallis, Dean

Wallis, Laurie Wallis, Noel & Dot Warner, Eunice M. Warner, L. Warrick, Dot Watson, R. Werner, C.M. & B. J. Westprint Maps WestVic Spares West Wimmera Baling West Wimmera Blue Lounge Social Club. Wheeler, Ian, Jenny & Nathan Williams, David Williams, M.L. & J.R. Wilson, Dick Windle, B. Wishart, Michael Wollermann, N.W. & G.I. Zanker, Daryl & Naomi

Thank you to all these people for helping with this monumental task!

VOLUNTEER HOURS AND FUNDS RAISED

The aim of this document is to estimate the number of volunteer hours contributed by Board

Members and Volunteers during almost ten years of operation by the Nhill Aviation Heritage

Centre. This effort has raised a considerable amount of money from Nhill residents. For special

events an economic benefit has been estimated.

2008. The first meeting was in November 2008 and the Board of 12 (plus two assistants for the

last three years) has met regularly every month for an average of three hours. Meeting preparation

and research estimated at three hours each. Committee meetings not included. 10 yrs, 12 meetings,

6 hours, 12 people = 8640 hours.

2009. The first major event was a Fly-In during 2009. It

involved all Board members to some extent plus at least 50

local volunteers including some professional people who

contributed their time. (Air Controller and some ground

crew). 60 people, 4 hours on the day plus 6 hours

preparation = 600 hours. Raised approx. $10,000.

March 2009. Avro Anson Restoration begins.

2010.Aerodrome Master Plan Developed. Four Members

involved in an organisation

called NAMPAC. Irregular

meetings estimated at 4 x 8

years x 3 hours x 4people

= 390 hours.

2012. Second Fly-In

estimated 30% increase in

hours from 2008. = 800.

Raised $15,000.

2012. Flight Office

renovated at a cost of $55,000 assisted by Govt Grant $50,000.

2013. Memorial Walking Track established with a grant of $2,000 and much volunteer assistance.

Estimated time for establishment and ongoing development, = 200 hours.

2014. Ahrens Hangar built for $500,000 with much financial

assistance from grants organised by Hindmarsh Shire.

Volunteers painted the concrete floor. = 100 hours.

2014. Two Link Trainer flight

simulators acquired and

restoration of one completed

with assistance of a $1,500

grant. Time 165 visits often for

two days @ 7 hour/day =

1600 hours. 165 trips x 350k/

trip = 58,000 kilometres.

2014. Recreational Vehicle

overnight parking area established and Dump Point installed.

= 50 hours. Cost of approx. $2,500. Unit supplied by grant

and contractors supplied time and fittings free.

2015. Fully accredited Air Show held with 150 aircraft

attending. Countless hours spent in organisation and

preparation. Much paperwork involved. At least 100 people

volunteered on the day and set-up before and clean-up after

2009 Fly-in 2000 people

Avro Anson found 2012 Fly-in 2500 people

Ahrens Hangar under construction

2015 Air Spectacular

Link flight simulator

the event. Approximately 4,500 people attended. Time

estimated in excess of 2000 hours. Event raised a profit of

$50,000 and an estimated economic benefit to Nhill of

$300,000.

2016. The Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre is offered what is

believed to be the World’s best Wirraway, one of Australia’s

first mass produced aircraft, a very rare aeroplane. Cost

$300,000.

2016. Two hundred trees planted and watered through first

summer. = 100 hours.

2017. A military vehicle event

was held in June raising $20,000 for the Wirraway. = 200 hours.

500 people attended. $20,000 raised.

2018. A Wheels for the Wirraway event was held in March raising

almost $20,000 for the Wirraway allowing the NAHC Board to

have the Wirraway flown in on 28th April. 200 hours for event.

2000 hours raising

money.

A Free Day when

drinks, BBQ and entry were all free resulted in the

Wirraway arriving amid much enjoyment. Donations

on the day of $26,000 enabled the Board to pay the

full purchase price of $300,000. This money was

raised by the community without any Government

assistance. 200 hours.

Avro Anson restoration to date. The majority of work

has been done by one person assisted at irregular

intervals by two others. Total time estimate = 12,000

hours.

The second Link Trainer is almost complete. Time and travel calculated above.

Volunteer hours at weekends at the Ahrens Hangar. 240 weeks, 2people x 2 days x 6hrs = 5760 hrs.

Total for the major projects listed above conservatively estimated to be 34,840 hours @ $30 =

$1,045,200.

Economic benefit to the community is estimated to be at least $2,000,000 based on 1,000 visitors

per year.

Many other small projects such as incorporation and constitution development, set up of hangar,

painting of Aeradio building and Flight Office, maintenance of grounds, maintenance of records

and photographs, and cataloguing of memorabilia is not included but would total in excess of

20,000 hours

during the last

ten years.

Many thousands

of dollars spent

by private

persons on

NAHC travel-

related expenses

has not been

included.

Wirraway 722 was offered to Nhill after

flying to three events in 2009 - 12 - 15

Successful military vehicle event

The arrival of the Wirraway was an amazing day. About 1500 people attended.

Building this Avro Anson from parts is an incredible task done by three men and a couple of helpers.

Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre Inc.

Contact details:

Where are we:

Ahrens Hangar,

Nhill Aerodrome,

Aerodrome Rd, Nhill, Victoria

Postal Address:

PO Box 42, Nhill Vic 3418

Website:

www.nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Nhill-Aviation-Heritage-Centre-1487580514791874/

Email:

admin@nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au

Phone:

0490 657 770