Air Force cadets get new old home at Amberley

One of the World War II-era buildings at RAAF Base Amberley has been relocated, restored and updated to become the new home of the Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) at Amberley.

CAPTION: The Australian Air Force Cadets Amberley Aviation Precinct facility at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland, was officially opened on April 9, 2022.

The precinct has been named after Wing Commander (Air Training Corps) Nev Currey recognised as the driving force for reintroducing flight training to Queensland cadets in the 1970s.

Wing Commander Currey’s family members attended the opening of the building named in his honour.

The place where parachutes were dried and packed 70 years ago now has two lecture halls, an operations rooms and offices.

Across the tarmac is a restored WWII-vintage Bellman Hangar – one of 14 originally built at RAAF Base Amberley –  that today houses the Diamond DA40 cadet training aircraft.

The building has memorabilia placed around it in recognition of those who have served within its walls – from photos reproduced on doors and framed prints, to a parachute hanging in the foyer.

CAPTION: The family of the late Wing Commander Nev Currey gather at the Australian Air Force Cadets Amberley Aviation Precinct sign at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland. From left: Ms Dale Garred, Ms Michelle Wharton, Mr Glenn Currey, Ms Kim Currey and Mr Grant Currey.

AAFC Commander Group Captain Mark Dorward said it was an inspiring environment to educate and inspire future leaders.

“Although this is an aviation-focused precinct, we see it as an education gateway to a multitude of future careers in engineering, science, cyberspace and un-crewed aviation systems,” Group Captain Dorward said.

AAFC powered flying programs are delivered by the Elementary Flying Training School through its three hubs: RAAF Amberley Flight (Queensland), RAAF Richmond Flight (NSW) and RAAF Point Cook Flight (Victoria).

AAFC also operates a powered service provider program to ensure all Air Force cadets have access to the powered flying program.

The Australian Air Force Cadets RAAF Amberley Aviation Precinct was officially opened on April 9.

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