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RAAF Townsville has officially reopened its Aviation Heritage Centre after five years.
The RAAF Townsville Aviation Heritage Centre (RTAHC), which was closed for renovations in 2020, opened its doors again on 14 August as part of the 80th anniversary celebrations of Victory in the Pacific, with its first public open day on the following Sunday.
“The RAAF Townsville Aviation Heritage Centre is a fitting tribute to our heritage and our aviators, both past and present,” said Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, Chief of Air Force.
Curated by Dr Anna Williams from History and Heritage – Air Force, the exhibits at the RTAHC highlight the role of the RAAF in Townsville’s history since the 1920s, with a particular focus on the contributions made during the Second World War.
“Townsville has a fascinating military history: a garrison town in its most sincere form. During the Second World War, serving personnel outnumbered civilians almost three to one,” Williams said.
“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.”
According to the RAAF, open day visitors found the static aircraft displays “especially popular”, including the 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,” said officer in charge of the RTAHC, Squadron Leader Andrew Chadwick.
“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.”
