Townsville Aviation Heritage Centre reopens five years on

Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell officially reopened the RAAF Townsville Aviation Heritage Centre (RTAHC) this month after five years of renovations and refurbishments.

CAPTION: Visitors at the first public open day of the RAAF Townsville Aviation Heritage Centre. Story by Squadron Leader Karyn Markwell. Photos by Flying Officer Casie Scott.

The reopening event was attended by special guests from the local Defence community, and formed part of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific activities organised by the Townsville City Council.

The displays in the newly reopened RTAHC were curated by Dr Anna Williams from History and Heritage – Air Force and focus on the historical role of Air Force in the Townsville area from the 1920s to today.

“The RAAF Townsville Aviation Heritage Centre is a fitting tribute to our heritage and our aviators, both past and present,” Air Marshal Chappell said.

CAPTION: Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell at the reopening of the RAAF Townsville Aviation Heritage Centre

The RTAHC especially emphasises the region’s air war effort during World War 2, including the bombing of Townsville and allied efforts with the United States Army Air Force.

“Townsville has a fascinating military history: a garrison town in its most sincere form,” Dr Williams said.

“During the Second World War, serving personnel outnumbered civilians almost three to one.

CAPTION: Victory in the Pacific was commemorated at the first public open day of the RAAF Townsville Aviation Heritage Centre.

“The artefacts on display within the Townsville Aviation Heritage collection are significant. They act as touchstones for the local community and former and current aviators to relate to and be inspired by.

“Since 1940, Townsville has been an integral component of Air Force’s story. It is wonderful that the Air Force has invested in such an exceptional facility.”

The Sunday after the official reopening on August 14 was the first public open day of the RTAHC since it temporarily closed in 2020.

Especially popular with visitors young and old were the static aircraft displays, including transport aircraft Caribou A4-285, Vietnam-era Iroquois A2-766, pilot trainers CAC Winjeel A85-403 and PC-9/A(F) A23-022, and fighter aircraft Dassault Mirage IIIO A3-55.

“Every aircraft on display has served at some stage at Townsville, and contributed to air power either locally or overseas,” Officer in Charge of the RTAHC, Squadron Leader Andrew Chadwick, said.

“Townsville has historically supported Air Force to prepare for combat. The places we deployed from in wartime – including the RTAHC – are now places of play, rest and peace.”

CAPTION: Visitors at the first public open day of the RAAF Townsville Aviation Heritage Centre.

.

.


.


.