General News
21 April, 2024
Nhill crowd soars to new heights
A bumper crowd of 4000 flocked to the third Nhill Airshow on Saturday, setting the stage for the Wimmera's biggest single-day event of the year and a record attendance.
A bumper crowd of 4000 flocked to the third Nhill Airshow on Saturday, setting the stage for the Wimmera's biggest single-day event of the year and a record attendance.
Aircraft enthusiasts from across Australia helped swell the numbers at Nhill Aerodrome, the site of a World War Two RAAF training base for about 10,000 pilots.
The aerodrome is also the venue for the popular Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre which has restored aircraft and a simulator once used to train the pilots as well as other wartime paraphernalia.
"It was a very memorable occasion and I hope people went away with memories they will keep for the rest of their lives," delighted organising committee coordinator Rob Lynch said.
He praised committee members for their contribution: "We had the right people doing the right jobs," he said.
It was also a proud day for Nhill couple Len and Jenny Creek.
Of five Tiger Moths used in a formation flying display, one was a 1942 Tiger Moth owned by Mr Creek.
Mrs Creek, event planner and committee secretary, said four Tiger Moths and five pilots flew from Tyabb, adding Mr Creek's plane for the flying display.
About 100 planes flew into Nhill for the airshow from every state in the country. A Darwin resident flew in a French-made two-seater trainer Stampe aircraft. The plane is built mostly of timber.
Aviator Paul Bennett also had seven planes involved in heart-stopping and colourful flying displays.
Channel Seven weather presenter Jane Bunn officially opened the event, engaging the audience with her weather-related stories.
Merv Schneider of Nhill, 98, spoke about his war-time experiences in the RAAF. Mr Schneider, a keen Wimmera Legacy member, is one of only a handful of people still living who served in the RAAF.
The three-member Pacific Belles entertained with wartime songs during the day to appreciative audiences.
Mr Lynch presented Melbourne couple Borg Sorensen and wife Lis, generous and longtime members of the aviation centre, with life memberships.
Mrs Creek said Tiger Moth joy flights and helicopter rides proved popular and continued well after the official closing time. Most food vans also ran out of supplies.
Justin and Brad Stephens who set up Horsham Military Collection with father Hartley wore combat uniform and had one of their wartime jeeps on show.
A Crafters Fair in the Bellman Hangar also proved popular, including pottery wheel demonstrations, rope making and wood turning machines.