Published Sunday, 07 December, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Hinkler Hall of Aviation opens its doors
The $7.5 million Hinkler Hall of Aviation, a new museum which showcases the achievements of aviation pioneer Bert Hinkler to the world has been officially opened today in Bundaberg.
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government Warren Pitt, representing Queensland Premier Anna Bligh, said the opening cemented Bundaberg’s unique place in aviation history.
“The opening of the Hinkler Hall of Aviation, on the eve of Bert Hinkler’s 116th birthday, reminds us of Queensland’s substantial contribution to the development of a new mode of transport,” Mr Pitt said.
“The Queensland Government has supported this project since its inception in 2001, and provided initial funding of $485,000 through Arts Queensland’s Millennium Arts Regional Program - a statewide initiative to upgrade and expand arts and cultural facilities.
“In 2006, our Government injected a further funding boost of $1.5 million, and, in partnership with the Australian Government and Bundaberg Regional Council, helped to make this project a reality.”
Mr Pitt said the hall would accommodate four replicas of aircraft that Bert flew with one part original plane, the Puss Moth, newly restored.
“Visitors can sit in a replica of the Avro Baby, a plane Bert flew in 1921, setting a new distance record with a non-stop flight from Sydney to Bundaberg of eight hours and 40 minutes,” he said.
“With its focus on interactive experiences, education and memorabilia that tracks Bert’s extraordinary career, Hinkler Hall is destined to be a major tourism attraction and drawcard for schools.
“Hinkler Hall will also be a fitting acknowledgement to Queensland’s strong contribution to the aviation and aerospace industry with more than 980 companies operating throughout the state and employing more than 17,000 people.”
Hinkler Hall of Aviation was supported by funding from the Australian Government, the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland’s Millennium Arts Regional Program, the Bundaberg Regional Council and the Hinkler House Memorial Museum & Research Association.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government Warren Pitt, representing Queensland Premier Anna Bligh, said the opening cemented Bundaberg’s unique place in aviation history.
“The opening of the Hinkler Hall of Aviation, on the eve of Bert Hinkler’s 116th birthday, reminds us of Queensland’s substantial contribution to the development of a new mode of transport,” Mr Pitt said.
“The Queensland Government has supported this project since its inception in 2001, and provided initial funding of $485,000 through Arts Queensland’s Millennium Arts Regional Program - a statewide initiative to upgrade and expand arts and cultural facilities.
“In 2006, our Government injected a further funding boost of $1.5 million, and, in partnership with the Australian Government and Bundaberg Regional Council, helped to make this project a reality.”
Mr Pitt said the hall would accommodate four replicas of aircraft that Bert flew with one part original plane, the Puss Moth, newly restored.
“Visitors can sit in a replica of the Avro Baby, a plane Bert flew in 1921, setting a new distance record with a non-stop flight from Sydney to Bundaberg of eight hours and 40 minutes,” he said.
“With its focus on interactive experiences, education and memorabilia that tracks Bert’s extraordinary career, Hinkler Hall is destined to be a major tourism attraction and drawcard for schools.
“Hinkler Hall will also be a fitting acknowledgement to Queensland’s strong contribution to the aviation and aerospace industry with more than 980 companies operating throughout the state and employing more than 17,000 people.”
Hinkler Hall of Aviation was supported by funding from the Australian Government, the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland’s Millennium Arts Regional Program, the Bundaberg Regional Council and the Hinkler House Memorial Museum & Research Association.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819