For the first time the newsletter was issued as the Queensland Air Museum Newsletter dropping any reference to AHSA. Previously it had been Queensland Air Museum Newsletter (Incorporating AHSA Qld Branch).

The newsletter reported that a tender had been submitted on a Winjeel at Point Cook. Considerable competition was anticipated.

QAM loaned a Spitfire windscreen and propeller blade to British Airways for a display in their Edward Street offices to promote a Battle of Britain tour to the U.K.

In preparation for moving out of Nudgee, members were asked to provide secure storage for the following items:

1 Allison V12 engine
1 Continental radial engine
1 Cheetah radial engine
2 Goblin jet engines
1 Avon jet engine
2 Lincoln turrets
1 Kittyhawk canopy
1 Mosquito canopy
1 Lincoln propeller
1 Thunderbolt propeller
1 Anson propeller
3 Gipsy propellers
1 Model Gipsy Moth
1 Model Norseman
1 Spitfire propeller blade
1 Spitfire windscreen
2 Meteor target pylons
1 Allison crankcase
1 Canberra towbar
1 Meteor towbar
1 Anson turret
2 Martin Baker ejection seats
1 Spitfire engine mount
Misc Anson components
Misc Sea Venom components
Misc Drover components
2 Canberra canopies
2 Canberra nose cones
15 Boxes of instruments
Many boxes of archive material

Dick Hitchins and Barry Flood attended a meeting with Mike Seymour and other senior Department of Transport officials. As a result QAM were offered a rent free "temporary holding area" on Brisbane Airport. Also included in the offer was lock-up storage in a DoT shed off Navy Street. A corner of the shed would be partitioned off and QAM would be provided with a key to a side door. Some items could be stored on the grassed area behind the shed. The "temporary holding area" was located in a triangle former by the airport incinerator, the radar tower and the windsock for the nearby cross runway 13/31. The area was inside the airport security fence and therefore it could not be opened to public access. It was accessed via Navy Street which ran off Nudgee Road. The deadline for vacating Nudgee was 31MAR80 but clearance to move on to the airport was not granted until 14MAR. Plans to move the aircraft were frustrated by the Easter break, an industrial dispute in the power generation industry and a dramatic increase in Brambles' workload. Consequently Aitken Transport were engaged to move the aircraft.

The move from Nudgee also brought about a suspension of the collection of aluminium cans and bottles.

Member Jack Petersen kindly agreed to store the QAM archives under his house.

The newsletter reported that John Sutherland had conducted a survey of attendances at meetings. Figures are annual averages.

The newsletter reported that in addition to two regular monthly meetings there would be a regular work party on the first Sunday of every month. The first regular work party will be on Sunday 1 June with the objective of reassembling the Canberra.

Under the heading: NOT ANOTHER TEMPORARY SITE! the newsletter reported:

"Some members are no doubt disappointed and disheartened over our acceptance of yet another temporary site. While it is true that our new site at the airport is only a temporary "holding area" the fact remains that our collection is now on Brisbane Airport and that’s where we wanted to be all along. We will continue to apply pressure to secure our ultimate goal - a permanent site on Brisbane Airport. As we all know, Brisbane Airport is currently undergoing a massive redevelopment. What better time to plan for an aviation museum on the airport? Already, the Member for Lilley, Mr Kevin Cairns, has issued (of his volition) a press statement urging the Federal Government to select Brisbane Airport as the site for the proposed National Aviation Museum. Furthermore, Mr. Cairns has suggested that such a museum could be supported by a volunteer workforce supplied by Queensland Air Museum whose members he claims to be enthusiastic and dedicated. All of this was without any prompting from QAM. It has been suggested that Brisbane's new airport is largely the result of lobbying on the part of Mr. Cairns. It is to be hoped that he will have similar success with his latest proposal! The general consensus of opinion among the hard-core of members who invariably get "lumbered" with moving our aircraft is that the aircraft will be re-assembled where they are and when the time comes to move, the aircraft will be towed to a permanent site or not moved at all! Such a defiant stance could work only if the aircraft are displayed in a presentable state. If they are allowed to fall into disrepair, the authorities could easily justify bringing in the bulldozers and nobody would lift a finger in our defence. Clearly, we must get our act together or perish. Accordingly we have set ourselves a target - ALL AIRCRAFT TO BE REPAINTED BY THE END OF THIS YEAR. While this may seem over optimistic, it can be done. As we cannot open our colIection to the public on the present site we should be able to devote all available man-hours to restoration. Strangely we haven't had much time for restoration in the past but that is what we will be doing from now on. Already, Ernie Van Aken is demonstrating what can be done without distraction. The Vampire restoration is proceeding to a very high standard. Any volunteers to restore our collection of aircraft towbars?

"In view of the fact that our collection is situated within the airport security fence it has been necessary for us to adopt a standard procedure for access to the site. Members are reminded that membership to Q.A.M. does not automatically confer the right to enter the area where the aircraft are stored. Members wishing to visit the site MUST have clearance from the D.O.T. Security office. Either present yourself personally at the office or telephone 2683036 to advise your intentions. This applies to members not participating in an organised work party. In the case of work parties, the organiser will be responsible for obtaining a group clearance. In all cases, members must carry their membership cards while on the site. Any security measures, no matter how strict, will be in our own interests so please comply fully."

The newsletter recognised a need for more members and proposed a return to displays at shopping centres.

The collection of bottles and cans resumed with the availability of storage space behind the Navy Street shed. A volunteer was sought to erect a horse-proof fence behind the Navy Street shed using materials already on site.

In addition to the two regular monthly meetings and the regular monthly work party, committee members will commence meeting once a month.

The newsletter appeals for a volunteer with a four wheel drive vehicle to travel to Charleville in late August to collect an Anson.

Elections were held on this date. There was no election of office bearers for AHSAQ and no explanation was offered.

A welcome was extended to newcomers to the committee, Lyndsey Evans, Cliff Robinson and Colin Miles.
Barry Eldridge accepted the position of Honorary Auditor.

The newsletter reported that for the first time a QAM badge is available to members. It consisted of a circular embroidered cloth patch three inches in diameter with the QAM emblem on a yellow background. Initial purchase was 100 at $2 each to be sold to members for $2.50 each.

The September newsletter was edited by Barry Flood as Ron Cuskelly was overseas.

A display at the Railway Museum at Redbank during August was successful. The next display will be at Toombul Shoppingtown from 20-27 August when the Bristol Scout will be displayed for the first time.

As a new service to members, Archivist John Sutherland will be supplying photocopies of aviation articles from magazines and books. The first list of articles appeared with this newsletter. Because of copyright restrictions there will be a limit of one article per journal per member.

The October newsletter was edited by Barry Flood as Ron Cuskelly was overseas.

It was decided to repaint the Bristol Scout in a more authentic military scheme for which information was requested from members.

The newsletter reported that a new canopy cover was made for the Meteor by Mrs Froggatt with husband Charlie as technical adviser. It was said to fit like a glove.

Dick Hitchins attended a recent meeting of the Pathfinder Force Association who support QAM's claim that there should be a National Aviation Museum at Brisbane Airport.

The Vampire restoration is progressing splendidly at the home of member Ernie Van Aken.

The newsletter reported that members Barry Flood and Arthur Long had recently undergone surgery and that both were convalescing in hospital.

An earlier request for information on the military markings appropriate for the Bristol Scout brought responses from Don Cameron and Cliff Robinson.

The Anson recovery is planned to depart on 02MAY81. The loan of three trucks has been offered but manpower is short.

The Musee De l'Air in Paris has forwarded several photographs of the restored Sandringham F-OBIP.

A QAM recruiting poster is available and thought is being given to refreshing the appearance of the newsletter and possibly giving it a name. Currently the newsletter is printed on blank duplicating paper. One suggested name for the newsletter is "Meteor-Writes"

There will be an airshow at Amberley on 05APR81 and QAM will be ordering bulk supplies of Kodachrome 25 and Kodachrome 64 for photographer members.

David Bussey appeals for photos and technical information on the Anson to assist with an inventory of parts on hand and about to arrive from Charleville. The fuselage of MG390 is said to be stored at Morningside.

An extra bay has been made available in the Navy Street shed following a request to the Airport Director. Transport Australia (previously Department of Transport) approved the request "almost overnight". This might provide sufficient room for the Charleville Anson.

Keith Johnston (father of member Peter Johnston and a cabinetmaker by trade) has offered to construct transport frames for the Bristol Scout for the cost of materials. The budget for the project is $350. *

The collection of beer bottles for recycling resumed with permission from the DoT to store them behind the Navy Street shed.

The earlier plan to repaint all the aircraft fell by the wayside but it was proposed that the Canberra be repainted overall silver without markings to preserve the aircraft. All markings had been comprehensively recorded by John Best.

The first of regular recruitment advertisements was printed in The Courier-Mail in the "Aircraft" classified column.

The following members and friends have volunteered to travel to Charleville to collect the Anson: Mike Adams, David Bussey, Geoff Endres, Noel Finlay, Al Gerber, Bill Maconachie, Greg Morris, Cliff Robinson, Rev Stevenson, Norm Weeding and Ken Woodrow.

The Australian Wool Corporation have kindly agreed to make available free of charge a 60 foot by 20 foot area in one of the Hendra woolsheds for storage of the Anson. The building was located in Hedley Avenue, Hendra and it was identified as the "Queensland A Store".

"The committee is extremely concerned with the continuing deterioration of our aircraft and accordingly we propose to investigate a system whereby members form groups to care for a particular exhibit." Volunteers were as follows:

Canberra - Greg Morris, Mark Auer
Meteor - Ken Woodrow, Warwick Henry, Jack Petersen
Sea Venom WZ910 - Jim Gibson, Bert Wilson
Sea Venom WZ898 - Charlie Froggatt, Dick Hitchins
Vampire - Ernie Van Aken
Ansons - David Bussey, Steve Williams, Lyndsey Evans, Cliff Robinson
Scout - Mike Adams
Drover - Ben Dannecker
Archives - John Sutherland

Work parties will now be held on the Sunday following the business meeting on the first Tuesday to improve communications.

Barry Flood was back in hospital for further surgery.

There was a work party at the airport site to reallign the aircraft. Thanks to a TAA crew and tug arranged by Warwick Henry, aircraft were realligned south-west for maximum protection from storms and to improve the appearance of the collection. The TAA crew had received garbled instructions from their supervisor and they arrived prepared to tow the aircraft over to the terminal buildings! They were recalled before final positioning could be achieved but they agreed to return on 26 July to complete the task.

Elections were held on this date.

Newcomers to the committee were Warwick Henry, Greg Morris, Mark Auer, Ray Bragg and Bill Nelson. Ray and Bill had only recently joined QAM.

QAM was represented at the auction of the Gilltrap's Auto Museum by Greg Morris. Items of interest to QAM were the Merlin and Derwent engines but they were beyond our finances. The Merlin sold for $1700 and the Derwent sold for $650.

Greg Morris, Mark Auer and Ray Bragg are preparing to paint the Canberra.

Barry Flood was convalescing at home after his recent surgery. Barry expressed regret at being unable to serve on the committee.

The newsletter reported; "Approximately one year ago we were offered land at Redcliffe Airport. For several reasons this offer was not pursued. However, the land has been offered to us once again but this time under very attractive circumstances. At the business meeting on September 1st the following motion was carried.

'That the meeting agree in principle to accept the Redcliffe City Council offer of land subject to an on-site inspection and vote by members at a full meeting.'

The matter will be discussed in detail at the meeting on 15 September before being put to a vote at a future meeting.

QAM letterheads and matching envelopes have been designed by Greg Anderson incorporating a drawing of the Canberra by Greg's brother Col. Printing was donated by Clear Type Magazine and Commercial Typesetters and Print Producers of Fortitude Valley. A letterhead specifically for the newsletter is being prepared. Ray Bragg is arranging the production of a bumper sticker which will be sold for $1 each.

The February newsletter reported a significant change in direction for QAM meetings to be effective on this date:

"Obviously the main reason for the existence of QAM is the preservation of aeroplanes and associated items. It has become painfully apparent to the few workers we have that we are not fulfilling this objective satisfactorily. Sadly we are merely presiding over the deterioration of our collection. (This incidentally is not a problem peculiar to QAM. The 1975 Committee of Inquiry on Museums and National Collections found this to be the case with many Australian collections.) Under the present meeting schedule we have a Business Meeting and a Social Meeting each month. Most of the Business Meeting is devoted to minutes, correspondence etc. While time consuming, we are legally and morally bound to attend to these functions. Consequently we have had too little time to devote to discussion of preservation and restoration. Our usual solution to this problem has been to hold a separate committee meeting. This then means that some members are obliged to attend three meetings each month. Accordingly, it was unanimously agreed at the January business meeting that our so-called Social Meeting be discontinued indefinitely effective March 1982. To those of you who attend QAM meetings solely to see films and slides we offer our apologies but clearly these activities are contributing nothing to the aims and objectives of QAM. Effective March 2nd the schedule will be as follows.

"First Tuesday Committee Meeting: As the name suggests, this meeting is for committee members although any other members who turn up through force of habit will not be turned away. They will, however, be expected to contribute! This will be a “nitty gritty" meeting unencumbered by the formality of minutes, correspondence etc. Venue will be the Transport Aust. theatrette and commencement time will be 8.00pm.

"Third Tuesday Business Meeting: The business meeting which was previously held on the first Tuesday has been transferred to the third Tuesday. This meeting will be conducted as before and the venue and commencement time will be as above. Matters discussed at the preceding committee meeting will, where necessary, be voted on at the business meeting. In the event that we have access to suitable films, slides or guest speakers these will be scheduled in lieu of a business meeting. However, the meeting on the third Tuesday will generally be devoted entirely to business."

The June newsletter was the first to be published under the new masthead which was designed by member Greg Anderson. Greg also arranged for the printing which was delayed because the printer lost the artwork! Previously the newsletter was printed on blank white stock, except for a couple of issues which, for some unknown reason, were printed on pink stock! The new masthead was pre-printed on white foolscap stock suitable for the Gestetner process.

With the approval of the Department of Transport, a barbecue was held on the Navy Street site to mark QAM's eighth anniversary. VIPs and the news media were invited. See also 07MAR82.

The June newsletter reported:

"D-DAY - A GREAT SUCCESS! Our recent open day has been judged a great success. A good turn out by members ensured that the collection was looking presentable for the invited guests. We sent out approximately 90 invitations to "everyone from the Prime Minister down" as well as a similar number to past members. As expected, only a small precentage of the invited guests were able to accept our invitation. A Federal Cabinet meeting in Darwin ruled out attendance by several invitees. Nevertheless, the President and Secretary were kept busy meeting and greeting the VIPs who did attend. Among them were Sir William Knox, Senator David MacGibbon (QAM member and supporter of a National Aviation Museum), Mrs Yvonne McComb (State President of the Liberal Party), Alderman Pat Vaughan (representing the Lord Mayor), Mr Ken Vaughan (Member for Nudgee), Mr Bob Darling (husband of Mrs Elaine Darling Member for Lilley) and Mr Kevin Cairns (past member for Lilley). Although the television stations conspired to keep the event a secret, Mr Des Neylan of the "Nundah Express" was a welcome arrival. Members were delighted to receive a visit from Barry Flood who was clearly cheered by the display. The Meteor was looking most attractive, its paintwork having been touched up by Ken and Mike. Several past members visited the display, among them were Bob Ford, Noel Branch and Graham Orphan. Thanks to member Cliff Robinson for providing tables, chairs and crockery and to Marianne Hitchins for providing cakes and savouries. Thanks are due to all the members who worked so hard to make the day a success. It is hoped that all this hard work will bear further fruit in forthcoming weeks. Well done everyone!"

The QAM newsletter recorded the passing of Barry Flood with this tribute written by Ron Cuskelly:

It is with deep sadness that we record the passing of our friend and founding member Barry Flood. Barry passed away in hospital on June 21st, after a courageous battle with cancer. Barry flew Tiger Moths during his national service and later participated in the restoration of a Wirraway in Papua New Guinea. Barry joined the Aviation Historical Society of Australia and was later one of the early members of the Queensland Branch. When it was decided that the Branch should tender for a Canberra bomber, Barry was there to help fund the purchase. When the Queensland Air Museum was formed, Barry was our first Secretary and subsequently our first Vice-President. In its eight years, the QAM has come through many crises and Barry was always there fighting for the museum. Barry was instrumental in having the Meteor donated to QAM and he willingly bore the burden of the interminable complications over the tenancy of the Nudgee house. When things were darkest and aeroplanes had to be moved, Barry was always there to arrange trucks and cranes.

In any group it is inevitable that there will be personality clashes, but Barry was one of those rare individuals who was liked by everybody. For some of us, the last time we saw Barry was our eighth anniversary celebration on June 6th. By this time, Barry's health had deteriorated to a point that such a seemingly simple visit required an extraordinary effort and yet his main concern seemed to be that he hadn't been able to visit the collection for eighteen months. Nevertheless, the condition of the collection was such that Barry seemed happy and contented. If for this reason alone, D-Day (as our 8th anniversary celebration came to be known because of the date! Ed) was worth it. We are advised that Barry has willed his books and photographs to QAM. It therefore behoves us all to give them a secure home and ensure that QAM becomes a fitting memorial to our friend Barry Flood. Our sincerest condolences go to Barry's father and family. Barry will be sadly missed.

Barry and the Canberra

Elections were held on this date.

QAM submitted a tender for either of two Turana drones advertised for sale by the Department of Administrative Services. QAM member Tony Self worked in the building next door and was able to inspect the aircraft and recommend that a tender be submitted.

It is proposed that two separate autonomous sub-committees be established to administer Restoration and Promotion.

A submission was lodged with the Australian Bicentennial Authority for QAM to be funded as a Bicentennial project. The submission was typed and posted by Keith Carmody's secretary at Austral Mining.

There was a donation of photo albums that had belonged to Captain Mervyn Minter of the Royal Flying Corps 1915-1917. During WWII he served as an instructor in the RAAF at Wagga.

The newsletter reported:

YOUR 1983 CRISIS IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY…: Our recent request for approval to erect a shelter over our aircraft brought to light some very disturbing information. We have been advised that mid 1983 will see the closure of Navy Street and the handing over of the Navy Street shed to the freeway contractors! Consequently the shelter is very much on the back burner! While this doesn't necessarily mean that we have to move our aircraft we do have an access problem pending. We have lodged a submission with the Aviation Department and ironically this arrived on Mike Seymour's desk the same day that the TAA extortion blew up. (The poor man is about to retire too!) So, true to tradition, we are entering the new year with a crisis on our plates. Fortunately though we are also entering the new year amidst a blaze of publicity which could work to our advantage. Certainly this is no time to give up the fight.

The newsletter reported: "Thanks no doubt to the efforts of SST Group 5, the attendance at the January meeting was the best we have had in a long time. It was particularly pleasing to see some old faces from the past." (SST Group 5 was the name adopted by the TAA extortionists)

The newsletter reported:

AND NOW - SOME GOOD NEWS FOR A CHANGE: As reported last month, we are facing a closure of Navy Street. Initially we were led to believe that this would take place in mid 1983. However, we have received advice from the Main Roads Dept via the Aviation Dept that we now have until January 1984 until Navy Street will be closed. Furthermore the Aviation Dept have offered us another site! This is a very recent development and consequently we haven't even had time to inspect the site. While it is only another temporary site it is at least close to our present site and we should be able to tow the aircraft to the new site. This new site will be available to us until the opening of the new airport which is presently estimated to be early 1987. The proposed new site has better exposure and it is possible that we may be able to open it to the public. Obviously we would have to make provision for security at this site but evidently we would have the better part of a year to prepare the site which we could expect to occupy for a further three years. Hopefully by this time there may have been some progress toward an official State aviation museum. Admittedly we haven't even seen the site yet but it does sound encouraging.

Guest speaker at the meeting on this date was Captain Hugh Oswald Woodhouse (usually known as "PG" from the author P.G. Wodehouse) who flew flying boats with Imperial Airways and later BOAC.

The newsletter reported:

THE NEW SITE: As this newsletter is being prepared, arrangements are being made for a meeting with Department of Aviation officials on the proposed new site on the corner of Nudgee Road and Navy Street. Although the site originally offered was very attractive we are hoping to obtain an expanded area. Parts of the site are already fenced and there are several concrete slabs present. The site offers excellent public exposure so hopefully we will be able to open the collection to the public before too long. The Department has offered to take down gates and fences to enable us to tow the aircraft to the new site. As soon as the new site is defined we will be arranging several intensive work parties to prepare it for occupation.

In accordance with notice given in the February newsletter, the meeting voted to donate a four-bladed propeller to Barry Coran for incorporation into his Spitfire which he is restoring for the RAAF Museum as a memorial to Australian pilots who lost their lives in service of their country. The propeller is believed to be from a Barracuda. Before being donated to QAM it had been displayed leaning up against a tree at a house near the Nudgee Golf Club. This gesture was to have an unhappy conclusion 28 years later. Read more

It was originally intended that this matter would be voted on at the meeting on 15MAR but everyone became so enthralled by the guest speaker that the matter was forgotten!

The newsletter reported that the Bristol Scout had been damaged in the Hendra woolshed when a forklift pushed a propeller into the rudder crushing it severely. The rudder was repaired by Ken Woodrow.

Meeting procedures were changed to provide more time for planning at the Business Meeting on the first Tuesday of the month. In future, formal business such as minutes and correspondence will be conducted at the General Meeting on the third Tuesday of the month.

Elections were held on this date.

Barry Eldridge agreed to continue as Honorary Auditor.

Air Commodore Deryck Kingwell expressed a wish to stand down as QAM Patron, regretting that he has been unable to assist QAM as he would have liked.

Ernie Van Aken resigned as Property and Maintenance Officer as he has been posted overseas.

The portable generator budgeted for several months ago has been purchased. Charlie West arranged the purchase of a 5kVA unit for $725. The big mower has been overhauled by Charlie West. The mower and the generator will be stored by Ken Woodrow at his nearby Hendra residence.

With Ernie Van Aken's departure overseas it was necessary to move the Vampire fuselage from his residence to temporary storage with Hawker de Havilland at Archerfield. Unfortunately Ernie's departure comes before he was able to commence restoration of the Vampire wings.

The newsletter reported:

"The next work party will be held at the airport site on Sunday 7th August at approximately 9.30a.m. The question of our proposed new site was discussed in depth at a recent meeting. It was agreed that as there is apparently no longer any great urgency on the Navy Street closure, we will try to consolidate on our present site. Another reason for this reversal of policy is that our request for a new site has now been referred to Canberra for a decision. This will doubtless result in long delays and probably the payment of rental. Accordingly, QAM does not wish to entertain the prospect of another temporary site under these circumstances. We will therefore turn our attention to the provision of concrete pads and temporary shelters on the present site. At a recent work party, considerable cosmetic work was done to the aircraft. The Meteor has been cleaned up and the Canberra had some of its markings restored. The two Sea Venoms are presenting a serious problem with deterioration of their wooden fuselages. These aircraft will require urgent shelter. In the short term this work is directed at a press day when we hope to receive media coverage of our problems." See also NOV83

The newsletter reported recent press reports that the Queensland government is to recommend federal Bicentenary funding of an "Australian Aviation Museum on the Gold Coast" to the tune of $760,000. Approximately one year earlier, two QAM representatives met with a Queensland government minister regarding a proposed state aviation museum to be constructed on a site opposite Dreamworld at Coomera. The museum was to be built around a donated private collection but it was understood that QAM would be given an opportunity to participate. It subsequently emerged that the private collection was that belonging to Malcolm Long. Land was acquired at Coomera and a sign was erected but the project went no further. (See also SEP81)

Member Peter Johnston invited members to submit tee shirts for screening with the QAM logo front and back at a cost of $2 per garment

The newsletter reported on a QAM display at the Redbank Railway Museum:

"QAM aired its standard sized tent display at the latest of the Redbank open days and showed some of its growing collection of mobile items and display photographs. The display was well received by all who saw it, including the gentleman who flew JU-52s over Stalingradl The general attendance seemed a little down on previous years. Donations came to $6.83 and sales came to $4.50 totalling $11.33 which was presented in one grey sock which is to be returned to the Display Officer. If you don't know the display officer he is presumably the fellow wearing only one grey sockl The copy supplied to the editor did not specify if said grey sock is left or right, nor did it list the serial number of said grey sock. The display was manned by Colin Miles, Dave Bussey and Charlie West who was especially helpful with transportation. Don't miss next months newsletter for more rivetting human drama in the saga of the grey sock! (Editor's comment: Until now we have been able to keep socks out of this august publication. Presumably if said grey sock is not returned we will have to indulge in socks appeal.)"

The newsletter reported:

"WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE NEW SITE? Members will recall that there was some discussion of a new site at Brisbane Airport. When we were faced with the imminent closure of Navy Street it was felt that we should seek a new site closer to the road. We were in the process of arranging a cosy little deal with the local region of the Department of Aviation when a well-meaning politician decided to act on a long dormant letter from QAM. Consequently the bean counters in Canberra got involved and this effectively threw a spanner in the works. Recently we received a letter from Minister for Aviation Mr. Beazley who informs us that the site is available to us for a maximum period of five years. They are even prepared to offer us a “concessional” rental. The Department's idea of concessional is $40,000.00 per annum! We did not vote on the matter. This is not such a blow as we now consider that another temporary site, no matter how close, is not on. True, Navy Street is about to be closed but we are to be given keys to the gates so our security should be enhanced. In the meantime, we eagerly await further details of the proposed Queensland Transport and Technology Museum at Coomera."

The newsletter reported that QAM has received a second Queensland Government grant of $1,000. This grant is to be used for the restoration of an aircraft.

Air Vice-Marshal D.C.T. Bennett, CB, CBE, DSO has agreed to become Patron of QAM.

Dick Hitchins has met with Queensland Mines and Energy Minister, Ivan Gibbs, who is in charge of the proposed Queensland Transport and Technology Museum at Coomera. Dick Hitrchins subsequently wrote to the minister requesting participation and offering suggestions of how QAM can contribute. The government is now talking about an eventual investment of $7M.

The newsletter reported:

"CATALOGUING: As announced previously, the Queensland Government has given us a $1000.00 grant for cataloguing. On the surface this may appear to be a relatively simple function. However, if it is to be done properly and if it is to have any lasting value it must be approached from a professional viewpoint. We are fortunate in having as our Archivist John Sutherland who is a trained librarian. John has done a tremendous amount of research and come up with a proposed system for cataloguing the collection. John's submission was discussed and approved at a recent committee meeting. The document will now be sent to the Queensland Museum for approval. The proposal will practically dispose of the grant in one fell swoop with the purchase of filing cabinets, specialised registers, index cards and duplicating stencils. All of this equipment is the basic machinery to facilitate the implementation of John's system. The system is necessarily complex and consequently is outside the scope of the newsletter. Nevertheless, John will be happy to supply any interested member with a copy of the submission after it is approved by the Queensland Museum. Many members might have the impression that the task before us is to simply list the books in the QAM library. Not so! John already has that task under control. The task now facing us is the classification and recording of all the small components and pieces of memorabilia which are scattered over Brisbane! We will have to catalogue everything from complete aeroplanes to the smallest components. This formidable task has fallen to our newly elected Registrar, Nick Sayer. As reported previously, Nick was the first Treasurer of the Queensland Branch of AHSA which spawned the QAM. Nick has recently returned to the fold after several years in the RAAF. Nick's willingness to return to such a demanding task in most encouraging. All members are urged to give Nick their full assistance. This is not a job for one man! If you wish to assist please contact Nick. If you can write you are qualified!!"

The April newsletter was compiled by Warwick Henry as Ron Cuskelly was ill.

"WE'VE BEEN TOLD: We have received official notification from the Department of Aviation that our 'permissive occupancy' is to terminate and we must vacate the Navy Street shed by 31st May 1984 and that from that date access to the aircraft from Nudgee Road will be cut because of work on the new Northern Expressway. Armed with the letter from the Department, President Dick Hitchins approached the Queensland Premier's Department and asked for temporary storage. They in turn asked Dick to put in writing again our offer of the QAM collection to become part of the Queensland Transport and Technology Centre. Subsequently the Queensland Department of Works have offered storage for the Vampire, however in view of the RQAC offer of storage for the Vampire we hope to utilise that space for the Drover and/or items from the Navy Street shed. It has been decided to move the Vampire on Saturday 14th April."

The Queensland Minister of Education has favourably viewed a request for the Vampire wings to be restored by apprentices at the South Brisbane Technical College.

A "Stop Press" reported that Hawker Pacific have kindly offered to move the Vampire to the RQAC hangar. Hawker Pacific will also provide a quote to repaint the Meteor.

"The effort to vacate the shed went on for no less than seven successive weekends. Publicity in The Courier-Mail brought forward a generous offer of the use of a semi-trailer by Mr Des Miers, with a crane donated for the day by his brother of K and M Cranes together with the suggestion that we contact Morton Equipment for the loan of their forklift. We did so, and were pleased and grateful when the forklift was delivered for use over the weekend. We thank these generous firms for their assistance." (QAM President's Report 17JUL84)

The newsletter reported that the Navy Street shed has been vacated. The RQAC have agreed to store the Vampire wings as well as the fuselage.

The Queensland Transport and Technology Museum has been deferred because the Queensland Government could not envisage completion in time for the Bicentennial. Fedral funds which had been allocated to the QTTM ($300,000) have been transferred to the St Helena project.

A member of the new Archerfield Branch, John Lyons, arranged for the Vampire fuselage to be stored in the RQAC hangar. (QAM President's Report 17JUL84)

A verbal request has been made for approval to store the Meteor and the two Sea Venoms at Wivenhoe Dam. (QAM President's Report 17JUL84)

On the weekend after the Wivenhoe move, several instances of vandalism were discovered at Navy Street. The glass bomb aimer's panel of the Canberra was smashed and the cockpit door was forced. The chain securing the Meteor canopy was also cut. (QAM President's Report 17JUL84)

Elections were held on this date. There was a significant restructure which had its origins in a proposal by Ken Woodrow in May. The main feature was the creation of groups for Documentation, Administration and Operations. The meeting was well attended and five positions had to be decided on a show of hands.

After an absence of several years it was decided to reintroduce elections for the Queensland Branch of AHSA with the stated intention of "keeping the Branch alive".

Included with the newsletter was a specimen of the new QAM Accession Information Form. This form is a product of the recent Queensland Government grant for cataloguing.

It has been decided that the Operations Group should have a budget to enable the prompt purchase of items required for work parties. Accordingly the Operations Manager has been given an advance of $100.

QAM SOCIETY? After much discussion at several meetings, it has been agreed that we defer indefinitely any plans to formally change the name of the organisation. Although there are distinct advantages to having the word "Society" in our name, some members are understandably reluctant to change our name in any way. Also there are many legal ramifications to a name change. As the time scale for the proposed QTTC has slipped there is no longer any urgent requirement for action. It is possible however that the word "Society" might be used unofficially from time to time, for example in our telephone listing where it is important for people to know that QAM is not a place but an organisation which they can join.

The newsletter reported the imminent formation of an Amberley Branch of QAM "after years of talking and dreaming". It is hoped that the branch may be able to restore a QAM aeroplane on the base.

The reorganised committee is functioning very efficiently, largely due to the injection of new blood in the form of Nick Sayer and Cliff Robinson.

The newsletter expressed regret that one of the staunchest supporters of the Archerfield Branch, Malcolm Rough, was moving back to Melbourne.

Under the headline THE PLANE DRAIN the newsletter recorded aircraft and items recently relinquished by QAM:
Short Sandringham F-OBIP - donated to Musee de l'Air
Douglas DC-3 VH-SBI - donated to the PNG Museum
Lockheed Neptune A89-272 - donated to the Confederate Air Force
Meteor parachute (2 off) - donated to the RAAF Museum Point Cook
Spitfire propeller - donated to the RAAF Museum Point Cook (via Barry Coran)
DHA-3 Drover prop spinners - donated to Hawker de Havilland.

It was also reported that the Drover spinners had been found to be unsuitable and that they would be returned to QAM in due course.

Guest speaker at the meeting at Brisbane Airport on this date was Jim McQueen who is currently in the RAAF. He will be screening movies of such types as Lincoln and Neptune.

At the meeting on this date it was unanimously agreed that QAM should return to Matt Denning a Kittyhawk canopy which Matt had previously donated to QAM. The canopy would go to a P-40 restoration project in Melbourne in exchange for several Boomerang key structural components for Matt's Boomerang project. The availability of these items has prompted Matt to elevate his Boomerang project to airworthy rather than the static rebuild envisaged previously. In return, Matt donated a restored and polished Wirraway windscreen assembly to QAM. The newsletter wished Matt every success with the project. History records that his Boomerang VH-MHR/A46-122 flew on 14FEB03.

The newsletter reported on a severe storm which struck the northern suburbs of Brisbane.

"THE BIG STORM - HOW DID WE FARE?: In short, we were extremely lucky. As is usuaI, the Canberra sat on its tail and went no further. Both Sea Venoms suffered some minor fabric and woodwork damage. Fortunately all aircraft appear to have escaped hail damage although the hail has left its mark on oxidised paint. Worst casualty was the Drover which had one of its wings blown about 100 metres finishing up behind the incinerator. While this wing was damaged heavily we can count ourselves lucky that it happened to be the wing which was driven over prior to our acquiring the aircraft. The woolshed housing some of the collection was badly hit and the Scout received some skin damage. While many northside residents lost their roof or windows we must consider ourselves to have been spared once again. At the International Terminal, an empty Boeing 747 was moved about a metre sideways by the wind. This was evidenced by maingear tyre marks on the tarmac. The winds destroyed 3 baggage containers and 2 main deck cargo containers. Some of these containers were seen to pass over the stationery Boeing 747 VH-EBJ. Clearly the force was with EBJ - she emerged without a scratch! To those members who suffered property damage, the committee extends its best wishes for a speedy return to normal."

The newsletter reported:

"NEWS FROM OUR (NOT FAR FROM) AMBERLEY BRANCH: Although our proposed Amberley Branch has been denied official permission to form at RAAF Amberley, this is seen as only a temporary setback. Peter Roberts and his band of supporters have accomplished minor miracles in the short time they have been together. They have even published a newsletter which puts this august publication to shame. It even has major historical articles and photos! These guys mean business! To date our (Not Far From) Amberley Branch has adopted a Lincoln turret for restoration, arranged to refurbish two Sea Venom radomes, begun fabrication of metal doors to replace damaged radar access doors on the Sea Venoms and facilitated the repainting of the Meteor! Good grief! Think of what these guys could do if they were actually ON the Base!! Thanks guys. Your support and encouragement has been an enormous fillip to this organisation and we thank you sincerely."

Guest speaker at the meeting on this date was Michael MacGowan from Vancouver. Michael is a member of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society and he will present a screening of slides of Canadian aircraft and talk about the Canadian restoration scene.

At this meeting it was agreed that the QAM meeting schedule be amended as follows:
First Tuesday - Business Meeting at Brisbane Airport
Third Tuesday - Social Meeting at Archerfield Airport (replacing the Archerfield meeting on the fourth Wednesday)
One advantage of the Archerfield location is that we are able to serve refreshments which is prohibited at the Brisbane Airport venue. There will also be a regular business meeting on the Navy Street site on the Saturday before the regular Sunday work party.

The newsletter reported:

"GONE SURFIN: Work on repainting the Meteor is proceeding satisfactorily. As the work is practically completed we can now record our sincere thanks to Sergeant Bruce Hearn and his trainees from the Surface Finishing School (SURFIN) at Amberley. The RAAF kindly agreed to paint the aircraft as a training exercise provided that QAM supplied the paint. A grant of $1500 from the Queensland Government made it possible for us to purchase the necessary supplies of polyurethane paint. The paint has accounted for $812.55 of the grant. The balance will go toward the cost of transport. We have just received an invoice for $1374.00 from Brambles for transporting the Meteor from Brisbane Airport to Amberley. The aircraft was loaded at Brisbane Airport on Friday 15 February. For this operation WD647 was towed from Bay 1 to Bay 5 by Qantas. The aircraft was loaded without any difficulty whatsoever. The loaded trailer was then parked adjacent to Bay 5 until the early hours of the Sunday when it was moved to the Brisbane Silver Jubilee display in the City. During its stay in the city it attracted much attention and the attendant display netted approximately $90 in sales and donations. Early on Monday morning the aeroplane departed for Amberley where it arrived at about 0500. Owing to some misunderstanding with the crane, unloading was delayed for an hour or so but this presented no great difficulty. One wing was transported to Amberley by Ken and Mike on the Saturday with the Austral truck. The Austral truck with the other wing and Cliff Robinson’s truck with the drop tanks travelled in convoy with the aircraft on the Monday. Once the aircraft had been unloaded, again without any difficulty, the wings were fitted and the aeroplane pushed-back to the SURFIN hangar by Mike in the Land Rover. No sooner had the Meteor arrived than it was surrounded by men in navy overalls with a nitrogen cart to inflate the tyres! The unloading/reassembly operation was attended by Ken Woodrow, Mike Adams, Cliff Robinson, James Wing, Peter Roberts, Dick Hitchins and Maureen and Ron Cuskelly. Special thanks are due to James for co-ordinating the trucks and cranes and for staffing the display in the city throughout the night. Thanks also go to Maureen for providing a very welcome morning tea. Reports from Amberley indicate that while the upper surfaces required stripping, the undersurfaces only needed rubbing back. This latter operation would have been relatively simple had it not been for the power dispute. Apparently one of the Amberley generators broke down and the SURFIN trainees had to rub down the paint by hand! Present indications are that the work will be finished by the weekend of 16.17 March at which time we will be required to remove the aircraft from the base. We were hoping to store the aeroplane in the shed at Wivenhoe but unfortunately the Queensland Electricity Commission has denied permission. This leaves us in an all too familiar position. Currently we are appealing to several sources for under cover storage and members may have already seen some evidence of this in the press. It goes without saying that if any member knows of secure under cover storage that doesn't cost an arm and a leg he should contact us urgently. If you can help, please call Dick Hitchins on 2089810."

The newsletter reported:

"METEOR MAGNIFICENT!: QAM Meteor WD647 has now returned to Brisbane Airport after its repaint. As reported in last months newsletter, we were not permitted to store the aeroplane in the shed at Wivenhoe Dam. In a recent letter, the Queensland Electricity Commission have indicated that there have been changes of policy affecting the Wivenhoe building and that it is not possible to provide storage for complete aircraft. However, the items already stored there are permitted to remain. As we were particularly reluctant to overstay our welcome at Amberley we reluctantly decided to return the Meteor to Brisbane Airport where it arrived in the early hours of Tuesday 19 March. The wings were removed and transported to the Navy street site the previous weekend by the Austral truck. Prior to dismantling, the Meteor was the subject of a ceremonial roll-out for the benefit of RAAF Public Relations and the news media. Unfortunately, the media conspired to keep the event a secret. Our only coverage, which was excellent, was in the Queensland Times. As for the paint job itself, what can we say other than that it is simply magnificent! It has to be seen to be appreciated. Even the stencilling has been redone. This was possible because of the farsightedness of member John Best who, many years ago, prepared some beautiful photos and drawings for just such an eventuality. The roll-out was recorded in the Amberley newsletter as follows: 'The Queensland Air Museum's Meteor was finally rolled out of the surface finishing hangar resplendent in a magnificent paint scheme that advertises the professionialism of RAAF Surface Finishers.' One would have to agree with that sentiment. The Meteor is truly a showpiece. After unloading at Brisbane Airport, the Meteor was towed to its previous site adjacent to Bay 1 at the International Terminal. A work party on Sunday 31 March refitted the outer wing panels so that the aeroplane is more presentable for the press. It has been established that the aircraft can be towed to the Navy Street site with the wings on. While we expect to be asked to move the aircraft as soon as possible, there has so far been no pressure from anyone at the International Terminal to shift it. In fact the Meteor is universally adoredl Everyone seems to think it looks good where it is. While this is too much to hope for, it is obvious that the aeroplane cannot be returned to the site until the ground dries out. It is simply a physical impossibility at the moment. In the meantime, we have sought permission from the Airport Director to erect a demountable carport type shelter over the Meteor on the Navy Street site. We have also asked for approval to open the aeroplane to the press while it is at the ITB. We have extended a formal invitation to the Airport Director, Mr. Brian Lee, to inspect the aircraft at the ITB. It is hoped that this will further cement the fine relations we have with the Department of Aviation. While it is not feasible for members to inspect the Meteor at will, it is clearly visible from the open observation area at the northern end of the international terminal. It's worth a trip to the airport. You will be proud of this aeroplane! QUEENSLAND AIR MUSEUM RECORDS ITS THANKS TO THE SURFACE FINISHING SCHOOL OF 3AD RAAF AMBERLEY."

The newsletter reported:

WHAT WE'RE UP AGAINST: We have recently received two letters which are reproduced here in full as they are typical of the shabby treatment QAM is receiving from the Commonwealth Government. The first is from the Department of Aviation:

"The attached letter from Mr. Cuskelly, Administration Manager, Queensland Air Museum, draws attention to the fact that the approval QAM anticipated to store the recently repainted Meteor aircraft at the Wivenhoe Power Station has been refused. Furthermore that the proposed Queensland Transport and Technology Centre could be ten years away. As a result of these developments QAM is now seeking to return the Meteor to Brisbane Airport and provide it with undercover protection. You will recall that on 20 March 1984, the Regional Director gave notice that permissive occupancy for QAM on Brisbane Airport would cease by close of business 31 May 1984 and, as advised by the Minister for Civil Aviation, a temporary site could be made available subject to the payment of an aviation rental fee of $1.74 per square metre. No action has yet been taken to impose the rental charge. The ongoing doubts which surround the ultimate destiny of the QAM collection must now be viewed as representing a need for a long term caretaking arrangement. If such an arrangement is to be negotiated with this Department it will be necessary for it to be conducted under the terms of a normal lease and rental agreement in line with existing policies and to ensure that a properly executed authority exists when Brisbane Airport is transferred to a National Airports Authority on 1 July 1986. Currently the QAM aircraft collection occupies approximately 6,300 square metres of airport land which, if leased at aviation rental, will attract an annual fee of approximately $11,000. It is probable that rentals will increase from 1 July 1985. I would be grateful if you would please provide me with firm advice on the future planning intentions for the Museum's collection by 31 May 1985 at which time permissive occupancy will cease."

This letter bears the signature of the Director of Brisbane Airport although clearly it is a result of pressure from above. Thus QAM is once again the victim of an extortion demand!

The second letter emanates from the Office of the Prime Minister:

"I am writing in reply to your letter of 11 December 1984, a copy of which was referred to me by my colleague Mr. Ben Humphreys, in which you again request assistance for the Queensland Air Museum. I apologise for the delay in answering your correspondence. Your letter raises no new issues to give cause for the Government to alter the position previously outlined in my letter to you of 4 September 1984. Accordingly, if the Commonwealth offer is still unacceptable to you, I reiterate my previous advice to pursue the possibility of further assistance with the Queensland Government."

This insultingly inadequate response bears the signature of Lionel Bowen, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister. Whilst this shameful attitude is clearly intended to make us give up the fight it has served to make us more determined to persevere. In a nutshell, the scenario is this. We are pursuing an objective which in many enlightened countries is considered a government responsibility. To acquire our major exhibits we are required to purchase them from our own government and then pay the same government for the privilege of storing them and displaying them to the people who paid for them in the first place. Our means of funding this exercise consist of charity and subscriptions contributed by taxpaying members. Clearly our own elected government wants its cut of our charity! Acting on what we believe to be good advice, we have requested a twelve month extension to our permissive occupancy. Whether we get it or not remains to be seen but clearly we have no intention of paying and we have no intention of moving. Furthermore we have deferred indefinitely any plans to move the Meteor back to the Navy Street site. If you feel compelled to share your outrage with someone your Federal Member is the logical target. However, please remember that our argument is with the Federal Government, not the State Government and especially not the local region of Department of Aviation. Above all, do not be discouraged. We are right!

The newsletter reported:

"QAM vs DoA: Needless to say, there has been considerable correspondence emanating from QAM on the subject of the DoA rental demand. President Dick Hitchins has written to numerous politicians from the Prime Minister down. Also the Pathfinder Force Association has written a very supportive letter to the P.M. on our behalf. In addition to this several members have written to their local members. Our situation has how been made public via an article in a recent "Courier-Mail". Despite the expiration of the 31 May deadline, our relations with DoA are still cordial and there have been no indications of pending eviction. In anticipation that the Meteor will be moved back to the Navy Street site, a hardstand has been constructed with disused manhole covers. Clearly though there is no point in removing the aeroplane from the International Terminal until our situation is clarified. Have you written to your local member yet?"

The newsletter reported:

"THE OPTIONS: Our dispute with the Federal Government over our 'permissive occupancy' of the site on Brisbane Airport is now common knowledge. Resultant publicity has generated no fewer than three offers of alternative sites. While we still consider that Brisbane Airport is an ideal site and that we have a perfectly valid claim for being there, we are obliged to examine all the alternatives. We are advised that the long-standing offer of land at Redcliffe airfield is still open as is an earlier offer of land at Caboolture. Most recently though we have been offered a site at Caloundra Airport. While the distance from Brisbane is initially alarming it does have its merits. The site has been inspected and it does avpear suitable as does the suggested rental of one dollar ($1.00) per annum. It has been suggested that the local council would be prepared to consider providing fifty per cent of the funds for a building. As this proposal can possibly provide us with a permanent site and cover for our aircraft we are obliged to consider it very seriously. Accordingly, four of our members, Dick Hitchins, Nick Sayer, Peter Johnston and Martin Hooper have formed a study group to examine all our options. This group will report to QAM meetings as necessary. Recent reports tend to suggest that the proposed Queensland Transport and Technology Centre is facing a long and stormy gestation and consequently it is becoming less and less attractive as a means of preserving our collection for the people of Queensland. The most recent news is that the QTTC is to come under the umbrella of the Queensland Museum. It is to be hoped that this will not be the kiss of death. It is also rumoured that the Malcolm Long collection, on which the QTTC was largely predicated, has been sold to the Drage Airworld museum at Wangaratta. It is sadly apparent that the enormous potential of the QTTC is rapidly evaporating."

The newsletter reported that attendances at business meetings were regularly exceeding attendances at social meetings.

Two significant acquisitions were announced in the newsletter. An H2S radar navigation aid was donated by the Path Finder Force Association. The other item was a "Sidcot" flying suit developed by Queenslander Sidney Cotton.

The newsletter published a detailed proposal for the restoration of a Sea Venom for which a Queensland Government grant had been received in JAN84.

A QAM Press Release stated:

Australian Federal Governmental policy of "User pays", which has opposed the establishment by non-profit community organisations, of aviation museums on aerodromes and airports operated by the Department of Aviation, is forcing Queensland Air Museum (Q.A.M.) to move from its Brisbane, Queensland base.

Queensland Air Museum members are currently faced with a demand for payment of an annual rental of $A11,000 for a small plot of grassland within the airport boundary. The site is used for open air storage of some of its aircraft at Eagle Farm aerodrome, Brisbane.

Permission for Q.A.M. to use the land for storage of its aircraft had been given by the Federal Government in 1980 following termination of tenancy on a previously rented site, required by the Government for extensions to Brisbane Airport. Permission was also linked with an evaluation of all sites in Australia considered potentially suitable for the proposed National Aviation Museum.

Brisbane had then been considered favourably, due to Eagle Farm's association with many aviation pioneering events and aviators.

The Australian Federal Government has recently stated that it favours the State of Victoria as site for the National Aviation Museum. Queensland Air Museum, whose members are unable to meet the $A11,000 rental from the organisation's annual membership dues, has been informed that "Permissive Occupancy" previously enjoyed is now terminated.

A request for one years extension of "Permissive Occupancy" at Eagle Farm has been sent to the Australian Prime Minister, The Hon. R.J. Hawke, for his personal consideration. Granting of the extension would give the community organisation much needed breathing space to relocate to another site.

Knowledge of the threat to both the organisation and its collection has resulted in offers of sites on existing aerodromes at Caloundra and Redcliffe and on a proposed airstrip at Caboolture. All these are located north of Brisbane. The offer from Caloundra has been supported enthusiastically by members of the local Council. However, Caloundra, which is situated on a beautiful stretch of Queensland's sub-tropical coast is 106 km. north of Brisbane.

A forthcoming meeting of Q.A.M. members will consider reports on the potential of the alternative sites and will authorise further negotiations; a decision is expected at the Annual General Meeting in August.

The difficulties to be faced by the organisation are immense. However, it is hoped that publicity of the relocation to whichever site is selected will result in public support and assistance with transportation, restoration and housing of the exhibits.

An appeal for erection of a suitable museum building will be necessary to enable preservation of our heritage for present and future generations. All offers of assistance should be addressed to: QUEENSLAND AIR MUSEUM, G.P.O. BOX 2315, BRISBANE, QLD., 4001.

Footnote The Patron of Q.A.M. is Toowoomba (Queensland) born Air Vice Marshal D.C.T. (Don) Bennett, C.B., C.B.E., D.S.O., current holder of the world's long distance record for floatplanes and leader of the Pathfinder Force of Bomber Command during World War II. Air Vice Marshal Bennett, who lives in England, has been informed of the Museum's latest situation and the options open to it. Authorised by R.H. Hitchins, President, Queensland Air Museum.

(The Press Release was accompanied by a map showing the location of the three sites on offer relative to Brisbane)

The newsletter reported:

WHERE TO?: As reported in last month's newsletter we have three possible sites on offer (a) Caloundra (b) Redcliffe (c) Caboolture. Several committee members have visited Caloundra for talks with the Landsborough Shire Council. Our reception has always been friendly and there are clear indications that the council want us there. While we propose to keep all options open, Redcliffe and Caboolture have virtually been eliminated. The one obvious disadvantage of Caloundra is its distance from Brisbane. For this reason we do not envisage moving lock, stock and barrel to Caloundra. Current thinking suggests that we have Caloundra as our shop window whilst maintaining a restoration/storage facility in Brisbane. Accordingly, if we accept the Caloundra offer, we would probably look at transporting an externally complete (albeit not restored) Sea Venom to Caloundra where it would be stored under cover in a building not far from the proposed site at Caloundra Airport. Restoration of the other Sea Venom would proceed in Brisbane. The current status of our negotiations for the Caloundra site are best summed up by the following two motions which were passed at the August business meeting.

Cliff Robinson moved that the meeting authorise the President and other officers to continue negotiations with the Landsborough Shire Council towards the acquisition of an area of land at Caloundra Airport and such other assistance in the matter of security and housing as may be feasible within the powers of the Council, the object being for QAM to establish a permanent aviation museum display at Caloundra. The motion was seconded by Peter Johnston and carried unanimously.

Ken Woodrow moved that the proposed move to Caloundra should not prejudice continued negotiations for a permanent storage/restoration/display facility in the Brisbane area preferably at Brisbane Airport. The motion was seconded by Nick Sayer and carried unanimously.

Notwithstanding the obvious disadvantage of Caloundra, it might be timely to list some of the advantages. The proposed site is at the entrance to Caloundra Airport fronting on to the main road which leads to the new racecourse. Caloundra is an emerging tourist destination and as such has a high transient population. The summer months bring tourists from Brisbane and the winter months bring tourists from the southern states. Although the negotiations are at a very early stage, the indications are that the site rental will be very low and there may be some assistance with fencing and building. Already a local businessman has offered us storage in his new building which is not far from the Airport. However this area would be available only as long as there is no demand to rent the premises. We would hope to establish a healthy membership drawn from the considerable retired population in the area. If you have definite views on this matter the AGM is the appropriate time to air them. Granted it is hard to warm to the remoteness from Brisbane but the fact remains that every member who has visited the site so far enthusiastically supports it.

BRISBANE AIRPORT PERMISSIVE OCCUPANCY: To date we have had no indications one way or the other from the Commonwealth Government.

The proposal for the external restoration of a Sea Venom has been accepted and is being implemented with top priority in the hope of completing it before the onset of wet weather in October.

Elections were held on this date.

Members Maureen Cuskelly, Bob Evans and Peter Roberts were serving on the committee for the first time. Nick Sayer was welcomed to the position of Treasurer and it was noted that Nick had been our first Treasurer when we formed the Queensland Branch of AHSA. Mr Brian Phillips was appointed as Honorary Auditor.

The newsletter reported:

SEPTEMBER SOCIAL MEETING: An important vote was taken at the Annual General Meeting on 20 August. It was unanimously agreed that Archerfield meetings be terminated and transferred back to Brisbane Airport. While Archerfield meetings were reasonably well attended and while we all enjoyed the refreshment facilities, it was found that the members we sought to assist by meeting on the south side were not attending. Coincidentally, this decision has come, as the SAAA have decided to increase the nightly rental on their building from $5 to $10. Therefore, transferring the meetings back to Brisbane Airport will save us $120 annually. This move should not be seen as an indication of any dissatisfaction with the SAAA. We remain on friendly terms with our SAAA friends and we hope to be able to use their premises again on an ad hoc basis. Consequently, our September social meeting will be held in the theatrette at Brisbane Airport. The date is 17 September and commencement time is 8.00pm.

CALOUNDRA: The two motions concerning the Caloundra location which were passed unanimously at the August business meeting were again passed unanimously at the Annual General Meeting on 20 August. The next step is for QAM to prepare a submission for presentation to the Landsborough Shire Council. This submission will be used to support the LSC application for crown land at Caloundra Aerodrome. Dick Hitchins is currently preparing the final draft of the submission. (A preliminary draft was read to the business meeting on 3 September). It is most encouraging to report that the LSC are actively promoting our relocation to Caloundra. While we must resist the inevitable "flights of fancy” there have been discussions concerning fencing and buildings. As the ball is about to pass back to the LSC further developments are awaited with interest. In the meantime, members are urged to take time to visit Caloundra to inspect the proposed site. The site is situated at the entrance to the aerodrome, fronting the main road, on the right as you enter. It's a pleasant drive through some beautiful country and makes an enjoyable outing for the family.

The newsletter recorded a special vote of thanks:

THANKS!: Virtually since the inception of this organisation we have been able to count on Austral Mining for the loan of their truck and crane. It is fair to say that the Austral truck has been fundamental to the continued existence of QAM. A recent experience serves to demonstrate the generosity of Austral Mining. Although we had made arrangements to borrow the truck for a weekend work party, it was not appreciated by the truck’s owners that our main requirement was the crane. When it was established that the crane was indeed unserviceable, Austral went to considerable trouble and expense to get the crane working. Their efforts even extended to manufacturing new hydraulic components. This might be understandable if we were renting the truck but QAM are confirmed borrowers!! If anyone ever doubts our dependence on the Austral truck, just look at a photo of any major QAM work party. Invariably the Austral truck will be in the background somewhere. To Keith Carmody and his staff at Austral Mining we can only say thank-you and hope that one day their faith in us will be rewarded.

Meteor WD647 was towed from the International Terminal to the Navy Street storage area. It was reported in the newsletter as follows:

WITH ONE DAY TO SPARE: Anyone but the most devoted recluse would be aware that the Meteor has been moved from the International Terminal to the Navy Street site. Members will recall that we were required to move the aeroplane before the end of September. This exercise was accomplished with one day to spare. The operation received excellent media coverage with three television stations and two newspapers in attendance. This coverage resulted in a clinical study of our difficulties and frustrations which marred an otherwise successful work party. The troubles began after the tug and aircraft left the sealed road for the hardstand which had been labouriously prepared by many work parties over several months. Not far short of the hardstand the Meteors right main gear sank to its axle in soft ground. This sudden drag on the tug caused the towbar shear link to part. Contrary to the report of one television station, the towbar did not break, it is merely a design feature to prevent a powerful tug from ripping out the nose gear! Or as one member observed, it is a design feature which was wisely incorporated in anticipation that one day a bunch of amateurs would try to tow a Meteor across a swamp! This development prompted an undignified scramble for shovels and Marsden matting. The Meteor was duly extricated but then the fun really began. It was now the tug's turn to become bogged and this it did with consummate ease on the approach ramp to the hardstand! By this stage many members had visions of having to summon the expensive orange lifting machines* which live down the road. Fortunately this wasn't necessary and the tug was soon freed. Sadly this had a side effect on the hardstand which could best be described as approximating total destruction! On the plus side there was no damage to the aircraft and our embarrassing difficulties did serve to demonstrate to the media the sheer hypocrisy of the federal government seeking to extort $11,000.00 for this privilege! After the hardstand is repaired the Meteor will be winched on to its pad. Once again we record our thanks to TAA for towing the aircraft and to the Department of Aviation Safety Officers for facilitating the operation.

(* The Brambles crane depot was nearby)

A further item in the newsletter served to highlight the urgency that resulted in towing the Meteor one day before the deadline expired. It probably also explains why it wasn't towed two days before the deadline!

DEDICATION: Critics of QAM might say that we have achieved little in our twelve year struggle. While this is arguably not true, there is one achievement which is usually overlooked. We have managed to assemble a dedicated band of workers who, despite lacking formal qualifications for the job they are undertaking, continue to work wonders in the face of apathy and obstruction. A classic example of this dedication was Mike Adams’ attendance at the work party last weekend to tow the Meteor. So what, you might say. Mike attends every work party as do several others. The difference is that Mike was married the previous day! Congratulations to Mike and Cathy. We all wish you every happiness in the future.

The newsletter reported:

WHERE TO?: No doubt as a result of recent publicity, of which more later, offers of land continue to flow in! For the benefit of members here is a summary of offers to date;

Caloundra - on the airport
Redcliffe - on the airport
Caboolture - on a proposed airstrip
Gold Coast - Surfers Paradise Raceway
Toowoomba - on the airport
Longreach - opposite the "Stockman's Hall of Fame"

The latter two are fairly recent and may come as a surprise to some members. The initial approach from Toowoomba included an offer of a building and, bearing in mind Toowoomba's superior atmosphere, this offer will have to be looked at closely. Longreach of course has an ideal environment for preserving aircraft but its isolation has virtually ruled it out. Obviously all sites have advantages and disadvantages. As with most things in aviation itself, our eventual choice of a permanent site will have to be something of a compromise. On the basis of tourist potential alone, Caloundra would appear to be front-runner although we must not lose sight of our main objective - a secure, permanent, under cover display venue for our collection.

PERMISSIVE OCCUPANCY: Members will be aware that we applied to the federal government for a twelve month extension to our permissive occupancy at Brisbane Airport. We are assured that the government "shares our concern" for the preservation of our aviation heritage. This presumably explains their magnanimous gesture in allowing us an extension until 31 December 1985! Imagine if they didn't share our concern!

The newsletter reported:

WHERE TO?: We are still receiving offers of possible new sites. However the three main contenders are still Caloundra, Toowoomba and Redcliffe. We are in constant touch with representatives from all three areas and several meetings have been held. A summary of recent developments by area is as follows:

Caloundra - The Landsborough Shire Council recently tendered for a number of pre-fabricated buildings some of which could be made available to QAM. Financial terms of this arrangement have yet to be stated although it is to be hoped that a forthcoming meeting with the Landsborough Shire Council will clarify the matter.

Redcliffe - A recent meeting with representatives from the Redcliffe Aero Club resulted in a very attractive offer. Basically it is envisaged that the Aero Club would provide 20% of the funding for a new building at Redcliffe Airport with the other 80% expected to come from government sources. It is intended that the Aero Club would occupy part of the building.

Toowoomba - We have also received an attractive offer from Toowoomba whereby a building on the airport would be funded by local interests. QAM would be required to carry running costs.

Clearly all sites on offer have advantages and disadvantages. For this reason our eventual decision must not be rushed. While it is true that we have been given until the end of the year to vacate the airport site (or pay the rent!) we must not allow ourselves to be railroaded into a hasty decision. We have already moved our aircraft too often. Hopefully some out of touch bureaucrats in Canberra will come to appreciate that we are making concerted efforts to find an alternative site. Furthermore, they must realise that;

(a) there is no alternative site available which can provide acceptable security in time to permit a move by 31 December.

(b) we have insufficient funds to move the collection at present.

(c) there is no apparent requirement for our present airport site to be used for any other purpose.

(d) we cannot afford to pay the rental being demanded for the airport site.

Despite the shortcomings of the airport site, it does at least provide adequate security for the aircraft. It is clearly unreasonable that we should be forced to move the aircraft into open storage elsewhere, pending availability of a building, just to accommodate the heavy handed demands of bureaucracy. Above all we must not be discouraged. There is growing support in the areas that really matter. This support is coupled with increasing amazement that we have been able to endure so much apathy and obstruction. Hang in there!

The newsletter reported:

AMBERLEY BRANCH UNDERWAY: Our Not Far From Amberley Branch has moved much closer to Amberley. In fact they have been given permission to occupy two rooms on the base. Our RAAF friends are still in the process of formally setting up their group so it is not known at this stage if it will be an official branch of QAM or an affiliated body. We are currently drawing up an agreement whereby QAM items will be loaned to the RAAF group for restoration and display. At present they have both Lincoln turrets, the Whirlwind engine and the Allison engine. As the latter is one of our prize exhibits it is pleasing to report that restoration has already begun.

This issue of the newsletter was the first to incorporate a photo page thanks to an arrangement with Qantas to provide photocopying. Appropriately enough, the first photo page featured two photographs of two Queensland Airlines DC-3s to mark the 50th anniversary of the first flight of the first DC-3.

The newsletter reported:

OUR NEXT SITE: There is still nothing definite to report although negotiations are still proceeding. Recently we were visited by several members of the Darling Downs Aviation Museum who have offered us a site with their collection at Oakey. The DDAM have adopted a novel approach to setting up their museum. By good fortune they have acquired a drive-in picture theatre and a large parcel of land to go with it. The DDAM members actually run the theatre as means of raising funds. We have been offered rent-free, a fenced site adjacent to the drive-in. Buildings are envisaged but they are sometime away. The DDAM have also offered limited assistance with transporting our aircraft to Oakey. While Oakey has a perfect climate for storing aircraft, its remoteness from Brisbane is considered a major disadvantage. Nevertheless, the DDAM offer is still under consideration. By the time this has been read, several members will have met with the Landsborough Shire Council to clarify details of the proposed move to Caloundra. The outcome of this meeting will be advised in the January newsletter. With so many offers of sites outside Brisbane flowing in, the penny has finally dropped with certain Brisbane interests. A third party recently approached the Lord Mayor of Brisbane to highlight the imminent loss to Brisbane of a potential tourist attraction. We have yet to receive any feedback from this approach but it would be ideal if it resulted in the offer of a site closer to home.

THE NEGATIVE FORCES: At the recent Casino air show, our President, Dick Hitchins, approached the Federal Transport Minister, Mr. Peter Morris, on the subject of our situation at Brisbane Airport. Unfortunately the meeting only served to confirm that the Department's negative attitude is set in concrete. Surprisingly it transpired that Mr. Morris has inspected our site at Brisbane Airport. Displaying a remarkable grasp of the obvious, Mr. Morris observed that our aircraft are only deteriorating in the open! Most of our members who attended the Casino show were eagerly awaiting the display by the Sea Fury. Indeed many people were ready to savour the sight and sound of the spectacle. Sadly it was not to be. The sound of that glorious Centaurus (and the not-so- glorious public address) was effectively blanketed by the whining of a DoA Commander 1000 which ran its engines in front of the crowd for the duration of the Sea Fury's performance. Presumably it provided a convenient, air-conditioned vantage point for a certain federal minister to watch the show!

QAM Charter Flight Brisbane-Brisbane. Celebration of the 50th anniversary of the first flight of the first DC-3. Three flights operated from the General Aviation Terminal (adjacent to Bell Helicopter) at Brisbane, Eagle Farm. Champagne was served to passengers during a one hour flight over Moreton Bay and the Gold Coast. What was originally intended as a single flight for QAM members grew to three flights because of press coverage. Aircraft was DC-3 VH-AGU of Golden West Airways. Read more

John Harrison wrote about his involvement in QAM moving to Caloundra in an email to Ron Cuskelly on 20DEC20:

"I was elected as a councillor to Landsborough Shire Council in 1984 and each councillor had to serve on at least 2 committees. I chose the Tourism committee which was my main interest to try and boost tourism (owning a caravan park) and the Town planning committee.

In those days Caloundra was the poor relation of the coast with Mooloolaba, Maroochydore & Noosa being the main tourism spots. Caloundra was a popular low- cost holiday location for South East Qld families who didn't like the glitter of the Gold Coast as well as for Brisbane, Ipswich and Toowoomba retirees. It was often referred to as God's Waiting Room.

I was appointed as Caloundra council's representative to the then Sunshine Coast Tourism Board which was predominately Mooloolaba, Maroochydore and Noosa oriented. Although Caloundra had the Pumicestone Passage, Kings Beach and good fishing, we had little else to promote interest in the place.

In about 1986, I read an article in the Courier Mail about a group of aviation enthusiasts in Brisbane who had one or two aircraft stored out in the open at Nudgee and were desperate to find a permanent home to try and develop an aviation museum. This was something the rest of the coast didn't have so in discussion with fellow councillors I was able to persuade them for me to make contact and research any possibilities. I was given Dick Hitchin's contact details from the newspaper and invited him up to address our tourism committee in council. Although your group was largely located in Brisbane, Dick could see the possibilities of having a tourism location combined with an Air Museum only one hour from Brisbane was a good start.

I researched whether an Air Museum was of interest with locals and found quite a large pool of ex Air Force retirees living locally as well as other aviation enthusiasts with connections through the local small airport. When I discovered that the vacant land adjacent to the airport was Crown Land under our local government control, it became more feasible.

Following Dick's visit, I kept in touch with him to find that even with his keenness he was having trouble trying to convince the other members of your group to relocate way up there an hour away.

Our tourism committee agreed to a contribution of about $5,000 from our tourism budget to try and get it underway.

The two hectare plot of land we had picked out was unattractive scrubland, open to the weather and being out in the open in our coastal location was going to be a corrosion problem.

As luck would have it, I had a Brisbane based guy (Mr Blazely. Ed) contact me to try and get approval through my role on the Town Planning committee to introduce his invention of a low cost rolled metal Nissen hangar style building. It was quick to roll out on site and the rolled-out arches were then clipped together making a neat looking weatherproof structure. We were planning an indoor basketball/cricket stadium so he showed me the concept and a couple of us went to Brisbane to inspect the finished product which I thought would be ideal for QAM. When I told him of the prospect of getting QAM to Caloundra and of their need for a building to house their small collection, he offered to build the existing one at no cost to us as a display for him to sell the concept to other prospective buyers.

As originally conceived it would be a bare building on dirt. At the time, Aldo Bevacqua was one of the first developers to build high rise apartments in Caloundra. He could see the potential benefits in attracting tourists to the area to buy his units. He very willingly organised the floor to be supplied by encouraging his concrete suppliers to support the project. Snow Carter, who owned Caloundra Blocks, donated the concrete blocks. Several other local suppliers of materials saw the future benefits for them and that’s how we got most of the materials and labour for free.

It worked, the first stage of the project, a building with a front and a concrete floor and no rear, at no cost resulted.

I'm not sure if the guy who built the shed made any sales from it but it was his punt.

We were amazed at how your group of guys using an old beat- up truck managed to dismantle and move the Canberra and Meteor and reassemble them so quickly.

Once it was a reality, you managed to assemble a large group of local volunteers and the rest is history beyond my (and Dick's) wildest dreams.

I have taken my grandkids down on open cockpit days and get a great deal of personal pleasure in seeing what it has become and what it has added to the coast.

I am told that it rates very highly in major attractions not only to the coast but all of Queensland. Good on you all !"

The newsletter reported:

THERE'S BEEN A BREAKTHROUGH: Members who have not attended a recent meeting might be surprised at the contents of media reports regarding our predicament. A brief summary of recent developments follows. Following a presentation by members of the Caboolture and District Aero Club, it was agreed at a special meeting on 10 December that we accept their offer to relocate to a proposed new airstrip at Caboolture. Despite the fact that the Landsborough Shire Council had offered to clear and fence a site for us at Caloundra Airport, it was agreed that the Caboolture offer had greater long-term benefit albeit with greater risks. This development prompted a counter offer from the Landsborough Shire Council. This offer was presented in person by Councillor John Harrison at a special meeting on 19th December. Highlight of this meeting was the announcement by Cr. Harrison that the Landsborough Shire Council was now prepared to fund the erection of a building on the Caloundra site! This building, although very basic, will cost somewhere in the vicinity of $50,000.00 so it is obviously an offer too good to refuse. Consequently, it was agreed at the meeting on December 19 that the Caloundra offer be accepted subject to formal ratification at the meeting on 21st January 1986. A more recent development is a unanimous vote by the local Rotary Club to "adopt" QAM as a community project. Clearly a move to Caloundra is a move to a friendly progressive environment.

A HOSTILE REPRESSIVE ENVIRONMENT: Our dispute with the Department of Avlation, or more specifically its Minister, over our "permissive occupancy" at Brisbane Airport continues. As a result of a meeting between four of our members (Ken Woodrow, Mike Adams, Ron and Maureen Cuskelly) and the federal member for Lilley, Mrs. Elaine Darling, it was suggested that QAM send a telex to the minister confirming our intention to move voluntarily from Brisbane Airport and indicating the proposed destination and departure date. This telex was duly despatched although the minister did not see it prior to writing a letter which was delivered by courier on Christmas Eve. The text of this letter and a subsequent telex from the minister are reproduced in full to give members some idea of the type of person we are obliged to deal with. The letter which follows is dated 23 December 1985:

"Dear Mr. Hitchins, Thank you for your further letters of 30 November 1985 and 5 December 1985 regarding relocation of the Queensland Air Museum. I confirm my advice to you at our recent meeting that my Department will assist in your forthcoming move, and on-site assistance will be arranged by the Airport Director at Brisbane Airport. However, I did not agree that my Department would provide transport facilities and such services will not be available. You also requested consideration of a smaller area on a rental basis, pending relocation. The rental situation has changed since May 1984 when a figure of $1.74 per square metre would have applied. Revised rates are now in operation and a figure of approximately $5 per square metre per annum would now apply. I am certain that you would find this level of rental beyond your means and therefore the proposal is not feasible. I have seen the recent offer of a permanent site from the Caboolture and District Aero Club made to your organisation. This appears to offer an ideal solution to your problems and I strongly urge you to consider it promptly. Once more, I confirm that your permissive occupancy at Brisbane Airport terminates on 31 December 1985. I wish your organisation every success in its future activities. Yours sincerely, (signed) Peter Morris"

A telex from the minister dated 31 December 1985 reads;

"Thank you for your telex of 20 December. Delighted that you have found a suitable new location for the museum and are commencing removal. Removal time up to 30 June 1986 is unacceptable considering your failure to honour previous undertakings. Please advise the Airport Director urgently the timing for the removal of each item from the existing airport location, aiming for the earliest possible total vacation*, bearing in mind that permissive occupancy expires 31 December 1985. Reestablishment as a public facility at Caloundra should ensure the future of the Queensland Air Museum and vastly improved public access to the exhibits. Peter Morris" It is not known what undertakings we have failed to honour and indeed our objection to this allegation has been conveyed to the Courier-Mail who unfortunately chose to reproduce the text of the minister's telex. As examples of mindless vindictiveness and empty platitudes, these two items of correspondence would be hard to beat. Despite our outrage at this shabby treatment, we do not propose to waste time justifying ourselves to the minister. We have more important things ahead of us!

The following item appeared in the March 1986 newsletter:

* I'LL READ THAT AGAIN: The January Newsletter quoted a letter from that man in Canberra. In particular it stated that we should "aim for the earliest possible total vacation". Does this mean that Mr. Morris is urging us all to take a well deserved holiday?

THE MOVE: A schedule for our relocation to Caloundra has been prepared by Ken Woodrow and Mike Adams who are to be congratulated for their efforts. This schedule has been passed to the Brisbane Airport Director, who, while claiming to appreciate our problems, believes that the minister will "go through the roof" when he sees it!

ITEMS TO BE SHIFTED:

METHOD:

WORK PARTIES:

Work parties will be held on Sundays following the two meetings each month. This will allow tlme to arrange transport etc. as required. Therefore, there will be two Sunday work parties scheduled each month with two Sundays spare to cover unforeseen delays, bad weather and to preserve marriages. Work parties will commence at 8.30am and finish when the day’s task is completed. If the programme falls behind, addltlonal work partles wlll be scheduled as requlred.

TASKS:

PROPOSED SCHEDULE:

It is pleasing to report that the work party on 12 Jan successfully completed Task 1. Additionally, the fence was completely dismantled so part of Task 4 is out of the way. This excellent performance was made possible by a good attendance at the work party. Thank you to all who helped. Incidentally, the reason for towing the Meteor and Sea Venom is to get them off the grass while the ground is firm.

WHY 31ST DECEMBER?: Members who may have wondered why the Minister of Aviation chose to terminate our "permissive occupancy" on 31st December 1985 need only take a drive over the Gateway Bridge. The approach road from Nudgee Road goes right past our site and the collection is clearly visible to the continuous stream of traffic passing by! Obviously any activity on the site will now be very public. We are no longer "the museum that nobody gets to see"!! We can only hope that the Department is not inundated with requests from people wanting to inspect the aircraft they once paid for with their taxes!

MORE GOOD NEWS: Members will be aware that for several years we have been receiving small grants from the Queensland Government under their Grants Towards Local Museum Activities Scheme. For 1986 we lodged an application for a grant to assist with the restoration of Sea Venom WZ898. We recently received confirmation of a grant of $2,000.00 towards "transportation of De Havilland Sea Venom aircraft WZ898 for restoration". As this grant is specifically for transportation, it will be most useful in the coming months. Our forthcoming relocation to Caloundra is being made possible by the Landsborough Shire Council and the Queensland Government. Sadly we cannot report a positive contribution by the Federal Government!

The newsletter reported:

PROGRESS REPORT ON MOVE TO CALOUNDRA: The dismantled Sea Venom was successfully transported to Caloundra on Sunday 26 January although it was decided not to transport the fuselage at the time. It was hoped that the fuselage could be stored in the Brisbane area to facilitate restoration work but owing to the lack of a suitable venue it will now be transported to Caloundra after all. The Australia Day work party is the subject of this month's Pictorial. The work party on Saturday 1st February (Task 3) was one of frustration. The objective was to transport the un-restored Vampire wing from the Airport to the South Brisbane TAFE and then move the restored Vampire wing to RQAC at Archerfield. Due to problems at the TAFE it was not possible to gain access so the un-restored wing was taken to RQAC instead. We now find that despite having made prior arrangements, the wing is in the way of building works at Archerfield! Hopefully this confusing situation will have been resolved by the time this newsletter is published. Next we come to Task 4 much of which was accomplished with the removal of the fence with Task 1. All that remains of Task 4 is to sort the miscellaneous items and dump what is not required. This will be the objective of the work party on Sunday 9th February. In addition we will undertake the removal of the DC-3 nose to David Bussey's residence (this appears as Task 5 in your souvenir program). The next work party will be on Sunday 23rd February commencing at 9.00am. The objective will be to transport the Drover, Sea Venom fuselage and miscellaneous items to Caloundra. This will complete Task 5 thus putting us back on schedule. These items will be stored with the rest of the Sea Venom at a disused service station in the main street of Caloundra. This site has been made available to us pending later redevelopment by the ANZ Bank. As there is quite a bit to be accomplished at this work party, a good attendance is required. No doubt as a result of the exciting developments at Caloundra, we have enjoyed excellent attendances at recent work parties. It is to be hoped that this enthusiasm will be sustained. Please be at the Airport site at 9.00am Sunday 23 February.

A SPECIAL THANK-YOU: The successful completion of the work party to move the Sea Venom to Caloundra was made possible by the generosity of the Brisbane Bottle Exchange who made a truck and driver available for the day. (The Brisbane Bottle Exchange is a division of XXXX). We have only recently learned that the BBE had to employ a casual driver solely to assist QAM. We extend our sincere thanks to Noel Brown of Brisbane Bottle Exchange. No doubt Mr. Brown can feel an overtime bill coming on!

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT CALOUNDRA?: Developments at Caloundra are held up pending finalisation of our lease agreement. It is hoped that the papers will be available for signing at a special meeting on 11 February. Currently the Landsborough Shire Council have their hands tied until QAM sign a lease. We understand that the proposed lease is very favourable. Since the last newsletter there have been several meetings held at Caloundra. On Saturday 18th January Dick Hitchins, Ken Woodrow, Mike Adams, Martin Hooper, David Bussey, Ron and Maureen Cuskelly met on site with Councillor Harrison. The meeting later adjourned to the office of local builder Mr. Aldo Bevacqua whom we wish to thank for his courtesy. The meeting was also attended by three other Councillors, several Rotarians, a surveyor, an architect, an engineer and a builder. It was agreed that the first priority is to finalise the lease so that clearing, fencing and building can begin.

STOP PRESS - WORK PARTY UPDATE: The work party on Sunday 9th February was somewhat frustrated by the realization of how much ”junk” was hidden in the long grass. Several loads were taken to the tip but we still have several engine stands and a number of Anson components which, while giving the appearance of junk, will be very important in years to come. Consequently we are appealing for space to store these items in the Brisbane area. While it is not essential that they be stored under cover, some security is desirable. If you can assist please call Ken Woodrow on 2684512 as soon as possible. Unfortunately it was not possible to shift the DC-3 nose so this will have to be done at a later date. On the plus side there is good news concerning the Vampire wings. On Saturday 8th the restored wing was transported from the TAFE to the Austral Mining yard (thanks again Keith!) and the un-restored wing was moved from RQAC to the TAFE for restoration - a good day's work! Already we have some ad hoc changes to the agenda for the work party on Sunday 23 February. Because of the previously mentioned building works at Archerfield, we have been asked to move the Vampire fuselage by the end on the month. Consequently we are now planning to move the Vampire fuselage, the Sea Venom fuselage and the Drover fuselage and wings to the Caloundra service station on Sunday 23rd. We have arranged the loan of the Brisbane Bottle Exchange* truck for the Drover and we plan to hire two car trailers for the Vampire and Sea Venom fuselages. What we do need urgently is another towing vehicle. If you can tow a tandem trailer to Caloundra and back on 23rd. February please call Ken on 2684512. Ideally it should be someone on the southside who can pick up the Vampire from RQAC and take it to Brisbane Airport to meet up with the other vehicles. Clearly we are setting ourselves a big task but if everyone pitches in it can be done. We will need an exceptional turn out for this work party so please keep the day free.

* The March newsletter thanked Noel Brown of the Brisbane Bottle Exchange and Tony Isambert who drove the truck.

The March newsletter reported:

THE FIRST SOD HATH TURNED! Word from Caloundra is that site clearing has commenced and fill will soon be laid on the site. A contract has been let for the construction of a Blazley building and the necessary supplies have been ordered. A completion date of late March is being talked about. All of these events were set in train by our signing of a formal lease agreement details of which will be published later.

MURPHY STRIKES - AGAIN!! Thanks to several well-attended work parties we nave succeed in moving the dismantled Sea Venom, the Vampire nose and tail cone and the Drover fuselage and wings to temporary storage in the service station at Caloundra. (Ed. - note carefully the use of the word "temporary"). This service station is owned by the ANZ Bank who made it available to us pending future redevelopment. It now transpires that redevelopment is to commence much sooner than previously expected. Despite the best intentions of everyone concerned, we now have to relocate these items somewhere else in the Caloundra area. For this purpose there will be a special work party over Easter.

WORK PARTIES: Attendances at recent work parties have been excellent and we thank all those members who have made the effort to attend. Considering all the complications that have arisen, our schedule is looking remarkably good. The programme for March is as follows:

SUNCOAST MODEL FLYERS: As a further indication of the excellent community spirit which exists on the Sunshine Coast, the Suncoast Model Flyers will be holding an air display to benefit QAM! The group will be flying their model aircraft from Sippy Downs Airstrip which is 3.7km north of the Caloundra turnoff on the eastern side of the highway. The date for the display is Sunday 27th April and flying will commence mid-morning. While we will be mounting our usual tent display, organizers have asked us to provide manpower to collect admission fees at the gates. This is obviously to our advantage as the stated beneficiary of the day is QAM. Please contact James Wing on 2626865 to register your availability to assist.

WELCOME ABOARD! It is most pleasing to see that we are already attracting new members from the Sunshine Coast. We especially welcome John Harrison, Barry Admans, Ron de Chastel and Noel Sullivan. Thanks for your support gentlemen!

I'LL READ THAT AGAIN: The January Newsletter quoted a letter from that man in Canberra. In particular it stated that we should "aim for the earliest possible total vacation". Does this mean that Mr. Morris is urging us all to take a well deserved holiday?

The newsletter reported:

CALOUNDRA PROGRESS REPORT: By the time this newsletter is published, construction of the Blazley building should be completed. The project is being co-ordinated by QAM member, Councillor John Harrison. While the Landsborough Shire Council has voted a very generous $50,000.00 for the project, there is a limit to what can be done with the available funds. Consequently John has been busy trying to extract maximum value per dollar. Recently it was decided that the building should have a concrete floor from day one. This very sensible change of priorities means that there will be less funds available for fencing the site and closing the ends of the building. Nevertheless these needs are currently under examination. As with most things in aviation, the end result will be a compromise. However, the provision of a concrete floor is a big plus worth a few sacrifices.

WORK PARTY PROGRESS REPORT:

March 9 - Canberra tailplane was successfully removed after some difficulty.

March 16 - woolshed was reorganized and all miscellaneous items successfully relocated to the woolshed from the airport site.

March 29/30 - this work party was cancelled at the last minute because of the lack of an alternative storage site for the items currently in the service station. It was hoped that these items could have been moved direct to the Blazley building but delays with the building ruled this out. Hopefully nobody travelled to Caloundra for this work party. We tried to contact everyone who was expected to attend and hoped that others would check before leaving. If anyone was inconvenienced we are truly sorry. May we suggest that members who were not present at the meeting immediately preceding a scheduled work party should check first with Ken or Mike before proceeding to Caloundra.

April 6 - the latest work party was an outstanding success. The objective for the day was the dismantling of the Canberra. Most of the bolts in the fuselage transport joints had been removed previously. Nevertheless, it was still necessary to trestle the centre fuselage fore and aft, remove the nosewheel and the bomb doors. The access door to the upper equipment bay had seized and it had been necessary to completely de-skin the door to facilitate dismantling of the locking mechanism. This had fortunately been accomplished at an earlier work party. Sadly, over the years we had omitted to plug a cooling vent and consequently the whole equipment bay was filled with bird nests! These had to be removed to permit access to the fuselage attachment bolts. The equipment bay was thoroughly cleaned out with a vacuum cleaner thanks to Maureen Cuskelly. The cockpit was similarly treated by James Wing. An outburst of hysterical laughter from the nosewheel well heralded the successful removal of the undercarriage assembly by Nick Sayer assisted by Martin Hooper. Bob Evans was exiled to the upper equipment bay to complete removal of the last bolts, a function which could not begin until the crane arrived to support the nose section. We had booked a small Brambles crane for 2.00pm to allow sufficient time to overcome the inevitable difficulties. Fortunately there were no such difficulties and all preparations were completed by 11am! As 2.00pm drew nearer, most members began to congregate on top of the Canberra, presumably to scan the horizon for the arrival of the crane. Shortly after two the crane hove into view but all was not well. The driver had obviously missed the turn-off from the roundabout and was headed for Wynnum! Fortunately the driver spotted the demented corroboree which was being performed on top of the Canberra whereupon he proceeded to reverse off the roundabout on to the new airport freeway. By this time, James Wing and Martin Hooper had launched in the Suzuki to intercept the crane. Shortly after, the Canberra dancers (or were they Morris dancers?) were convulsed in laughter at the spectacle of the Suzuki speeding westbound past the crane reversing eastbound on the airport freeway. Fortunately the anomaly was rectified in time for the Suzuki to escort the crane to the site. With the customary Brambles efficiency, the dismantling was completed successfully in one and a half hours. Thanks to everyone who participated: Ken, Mike, Dick, Charlie, Martin, David, James, Nick, Bob, Maureen and Ron. Special thanks go to Clyde Ashton who was attending his first work party.

NEXT WORK PARTY: There will be a work party at the airport site on Sunday 20 April at 9.00am to remove the Meteor wings.

THE BIG ONE: We have scheduled a big work party over the long weekend 25/26/27 April at Caloundra. Duties to be performed are as follows; Move Sea Venom, Drover and Vampire from service station to the Blazley building, via several display sites as outlined later. Move Meteor wings from Brisbane Airport direct to the Blazley building. Erect and man displays at Kawana Shopping Centre and Sippy Downs model flying display. The latter event was referred to in the March newsletter. The Suncoast Model Flyers will be demonstrating their model aircraft on Sunday 27 April. The model flying will be supplemented by a Pitts aerobatic display and a Beechcraft Debonair formation team. Proceeds from the day will go to QAM. The organizers expect that QAM could benefit to the tune of $500.00 or more. To support the event QAM will have a display at the Kawana Shopping Centre and at the airshow venue. The former will consist of a photo display and the Sea Venom nose section. The latter will be a similar display built around the Vampire nose section. Granted the Sea Venom is hardly fit for display, but we will be taking pains to inform the public that restoration is pending and interested parties can participate. Visitors will be invited to inspect a restored aircraft (the Vampire) at the airshow on the following Sunday. All of this is obviously going to mean a lot of work for our members but it is very important for us to establish a credible presence on the Sunshine Coast. Consequently we will need a maximum turn out of members. It is estimated that we will need a minimum of 10 members to man the display on the Sunday. (We are required to man the gates as well as our own display). For the other functions we will need a minimum of 6 members on hand to assist with moving aircraft etc. Also we are looking for 3 or 4 members to overnight in the Blazley building on Friday and Saturday nights. While there is an immaculate toilet block close by, everything else is strictly BYO. Alternatively, members may wish to arrange their own accommodation in the Caloundra area. Members are advised that it is absolutely imperative that we create a good impression on this occasion. Failure to mount the required numbers will do irreparable damage to our reputation on the Sunshine Coast. Make no mistake, we need the income from this display just to move our collection to Caloundra. Furthermore, we desperately need to reach potential members in the area. If you can attend for one day only, please do so. Your effort will be appreciated. If you are flexible on what day you attend, our first preference is for Sunday. It must be stressed that failure to create a good impression will make life very difficult for us in the future. Don't let down our friends on the Sunshine Coast and don't let down QAM. For further information please contact the following:

At least come and see the building!!

The newsletter reported:

NOW YOU CAN BELIEVE!: No doubt most members will have seen recent press and television coverage of the construction of our new home at Caloundra. For the benefit of those who missed it, and to remind all of us that this is really happening, we are devoting this month's Pictorial to the new building. Since these photos were taken, the eastern end of the building has been enclosed and skylights and ventilators installed. The other end of the building will be closed with a huge mobile fence designed by Ken Woodrow and Mike Adams. Some of the materials have been purchased and construction will begin soon. The provision of a concrete floor is still unresolved although it emerges that the floor is necessary for the building to be cyclone rated. The reason for the delay with the floor is so1ely one of available finance. This problem will have to be addressed once again when it comes time to fence the site (remembering that the Canberra will not fit inside the building). Hopefully we will be able to allocate some of our own funds to these needs although just how much money remains depends on the eagerly awaited Brambles quotation for moving the aircraft to Caloundra. WORK PARTIES: We are now experiencing a lull before the storm as all our aircraft are ready to be transported as soon as the building is ready to accept them. All that remains to be done is the removal of the Meteor wings and the collection of the manhole covers. The Meteor wings have been prepared for removal which can be accomplished in short time. The Canberra has been dismantled and the DC-3 nose has been shifted to David Bussey's residence. Tentative plans have been made for shifting the aircraft in convoy in the early hours of Friday 6 June. We hope to be able to reassemble the aircraft during the ensuing long weekend. However, all of this is predicated on (a) completion of the floor and (b) receipt of an affordable quotation from Brambles.

SIPPY DOWNS SUCCESS! The Suncoast Model Flyers display at Sippy Downs on Sunday 27 April was an outstanding success. While we were told to expect gate takings in excess of $500.00, we never expected to benefit to the tune of $1214.00!! This magnificent gesture by the Suncoast Model Flyers and the people of the Sunshine Coast is deeply appreciated and will most certainly be used to enhance our display at Caloundra. We extend our special thanks to Ron de Chastel of Suncoast Model Flyers (and QAM!) for organizing such a successful day. Indeed we thank all SMF members for giving their support to QAM. On the QAM side we must thank David Bussey, James Wing and Martin Hooper for arranging the display and guarding it overnight, to Cliff Robinson for towing the Vampire to and from the display, to Charlie West and Charlie Froggatt and their good wives for manning the main gate and to Nick Sayer for doing moo-cow duty at the middle gate!

NOW YOU CAN BELIEVE #2: When it was first suggested that QAM become involved with the proposed Queensland Transport and Technology Centre at Coomera, representations were made to the Premier's Department with a view to obtaining temporary storage for the QAM collection until the QTTC was ready. This resulted in our moving some smaller items to the Wivenhoe Dam and an offer of a room in a government building to store our archives and library. After a very long and uncertain gestation, we were recently given the keys to a room in George Street. (The building was identified as Morecombe House. Ed.) The room is approximately the size of the DoA theatrette at the airport and comes equipped with shelving, cabinets, filing drawers, desks, chairs, fans and heaters! Thus we appear to have the makings of a nice little QAMGO! There has been no suggestion of rental so it appears that we are moving in under an arrangement which might even be termed "permissive occupancy"! A recent work party commenced the assembly of numerous Brownbuilt shelves which will soon house books and magazines which are presently stored at several members’ residences. Members who are not "nuts and bolts" inclined but who may be interested in organizing and cataloguing books should watch the newsletter for details of future archives work parties. Our thanks go to John Sutherland for his long and patient negotiations with the relevant departments. We also record our thanks to the Premier's Department for making this excellent facility available.

SUB-COMMITTEE FOR CALOUNDRA?: It is important that we set up efficient_ machinery for running the Caloundra facility and interfacing with the QAM committee in Brisbane. As a starting point for further discussion, it is proposed that we form a Caloundra Sub-Committee consisting of; Secretary, Treasurer and Operations Assistant who would be responsible for the general running of operations on the Sunshine Coast. Duties: Secretary - responsible for new memberships, local correspondence and fund raising in conjunction with Treasurer and other interested parties. Treasurer - Responsible for all local monies (local bank account?), membership fees and local petty cash. Operations Assistant - responsible for local restoration projects, recovery projects, security of buildings, local work parties and display groups. While it is desirable that the Caloundra committee have some degree of autonomy, it is suggested that the Caloundra Committee report to the QAM committee, that all correspondence and acquisitions be notified to the QAM committee for records and correspondence where necessary and that the Caloundra committee be set up in accordance with the QAM Constitution. In any event, we must at all costs avoid an "us and them" situation arising. Clearly our Sunshine Coast members are better placed to oversee the running of the Caloundra facility and indeed this is as it should be as the cost of the building, came out of their pockets. Ideally we should encourage the concept of "commuting committee members" where there are members prepared to travel between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast and vice versa. Please give us some input on how you would like to see the Caloundra operation set up. We especially seek the views of our members on the Sunshine Coast.

SUNSHINE COAST MEMBERS: To facilitate contact amongst our new members on the Sunshine Coast, here is a list of members and phone numbers (deleted in this transcription Ed). While we hope to be holding several meetings at Caloundra in the near future there is no reason why new members should not get together in the meantime to discuss their expectations of their museum!

Thank you for your support and welcome to Queensland Air Museum!

THE CALOUNDRA DISPLAY: As many of the more significant items in the QAM collection had to endure the ravages of outdoor storage for anything up to twelve years, it is fair to say that only a small percentage of the collection is ready for immediate display. For this reason we currently envisage a need for a temporary partition in the Caloundra building to separate the display from the storage/restoration areas. This partition need only be a simple curtain. Fortunately the internal structure of the building lends itself to this idea. As our displayable collection increases so would the storage/restoration area decrease until the whole building is occupied with displays. Hopefully by this time we will have found other storage/restoration space. Obviously the main objective is to have the building devoted to attractive displays as soon as possible. The following summary will give members some idea of what is involved.

Some of the major display items will require minor work as follows:

With the exception of repairs to the Drover wing and reskinning of the Sea Venom tailboom, all the tasks listed should be able to be done by QAM members.

STOP PRESS - CALOUNDRA BUILDING UPDATE: On the subject of the concrete floor, the current plan is to start at one end of the building and lay as much concrete as funds will permit. The actual dollar shortfall is uncertain but it is believed to be approximately $5,000.000 Any legal suggestions for raising such an amount will be welcomed!

The newsletter reported:

THE MOVE - A PROGRESS REPORT: The big news is that the Caloundra building now has a superb concrete floor which would do justice to a roller skating rink! Thanks to a grant from the Bussey Foundation it has been possible to concrete the entire floor area. The floor was laid by local contractor Rex Purse with assistance from Boral and under the supervision of Aldo Bevacqua of Rotary. The end result is magnificent and we extend our thanks to all concerned. A very well attended work party on Sunday 1st June succeeded in constructing a series of man-proof gates to secure the western end of the hangar. Although the gates still require some finishing touches, it is now possible for the building to be locked up. It was most pleasing to meet some of our Sunshine Coast members at the work party and we especially thank Vic Clarke and Laurie Fox. The big move from Brisbane Airport has been postponed until 12/13 June at the request of Brambles. As it transpires, this is to our advantage as it will allow extra time to spread some more filI on some boggy areas of the site. It will also enable us to utilize the June long week-end to shift all the aircraft from the service station to the new building. These items will initially be stored at what is now the back of the hangar but will ultimately be the front. The Meteor and Sea Venom will then be displayed immediately behind the gates. The Canberra will be displayed outside until such time as we can raise funds for a larger building. All going well, the three aircraft will have been shifted to Caloundra by the time this newsletter is published. To move the aircraft Brambles have quoted us a very favourable $5,000.00 inclusive. It is therefore reassuring to find ourselves in Brambles' expert hands once again.

NEXT WORK PARTY: The next work party to fall within the scope of this newsletter will be on the week-end of 21/22 June. The objective will be the reassembly of the Canberra. All available members are asked to meet at Caloundra at approximately 11.00am. on the Saturday. This work party is, of course, predicated on there being a Canberra at Caloundra to reassemble! Therefore members are advised to check first before going to Caloundra.

CALOUNDRA ROSTER: Obviously we will soon have to staff the building on a regular basis. It is proposed that we establish a roster to enable us to open the building on Saturdays and Sundays between the hours of 9.00am and 3.00pm. Coverage will be extended if manpower is available. David Bussey is co-ordinating the roster.

The newsletter reported:

CALOUNDRA PROGRESS REPORT: We are delighted to announce that Vic Clarke has agreed to accept an appointment as Caloundra Co-ordinator. In the short time he has been with us Vic has proved very popular and it is most reassuring to have our Caloundra operation in his capable hands. It is expected that all members will give Vic their full co-operation and assistance. While we always hoped that there would be an influx of new members from the Sunshine Coast area, we must confess to being overwhelmed as local support continues to grow. Unfortunately this has led to some misunderstandings as eager new members have been left with nothing to do through lack of direction from some of the longer serving members. Frankly we have been so caught up with the planning of the big move that we haven't been able to devote sufficient time to planning the direction of the display at Caloundra. Rest assured we are getting our act together and hopefully there will soon be plenty of satisfying work for everyone. As we begin our new life at Caloundra it might be timely to remind all members that this is a community organization. That is to say that we attract all types and therefore it is inevitable that there will be personality clashes from time to time. This is an inescapable consequence of our choice to operate as a society. The only alternative is a one-man private collection and we have all seen what usually happens to private collections. Therefore we are stuck with it and we must make it work or we are all losers. We ask our newer members to recognize that our long serving, contributing members, while not wishing to claim any special privileges, are survivors. Many have endured a decade or more of tireless work for which their only return was a whole lot of nothing. Now, thanks to the good people of the Sunshine Coast, we have our first big break in thirteen years. Things have changed. Until now it has been assumed that the few will be left to do all the work because there aren't enough members prepared to work for no return. Our membership is now healthier than it has been for years and it continues to grow steadily. It therefore behoves all of our "survivors" to welcome our new members, foster their enthusiasm and allow them to participate in our new beginning.

CALOUNDRA PROJECTS: We have always made it a policy to try to acquire a towbar for each of our aircraft. We have one for the Canberra and the Meteor but we never managed to acquire one for a Sea Venom. Thanks to Vic Clarke this situation has now been rectified! Young Phil Bowly, who has been a member for only a matter of weeks, has already restored and primed several Sea Venom engine cowls. Please keep up the great work Phil! Laurie Fox has done a lot of work “lacing up” the gates much of it during the week. The Meteor has been washed and polished and to highlight its excellent appearance it has been turned sideways in the hangar. The Meteor will be further enhanced by the addition of new intake lips which are being fabricated thanks to the initiative of Cliff Robinson. Vic is currently arranging concrete tie-down pads for the Canberra. After some attention to corrosion, the Canberra will be repainted to improve its appearance. It has become obvious that visitors are reluctant to pay for admission if they can clearly see everything through the gates! Consequently we are planning to attach permanent curtains to the inside of the gates to lend an air of mystery. Hopefully it may also lessen the dust problem. These curtains will be made from plastic tarpaulin which is being donated by Cliff Robinson. We do need volunteers to cut and stitch the curtains and fix the necessary eyelets. If you can help please contact Vic Clarke or Cliff Robinson. Cliff has also donated a large display counter which is presently situated in the hangar. Do we have a volunteer to repair and repaint it so that it can be used as a "base" in the hangar. It should be most suitable for displaying saleable items etc.

VICTA AIRTOURER: Recently we were fortunate to receive a donation of a windscreen and canopy for our Victa Airtourer. The donation and collection was arranged by Warwick Henry. One of our newer members from Caloundra, Roy McFadyen, once worked for Victa Aviation and he is hoping to be able to give us a lead on an engine and propeller. The Airtourer is a very significant type so hopefully restoration can begin in the not too distant future.

BRISBANE RESTORATION BASE: There is an emerging need for a secure site in the Brlsbane area where restoration projects can proceed. Several Brisbane members have indicated that once the Caloundra display is on its feet they would prefer to limit their travelling to Caloundra in favour of restoring items in the Brisbane area. Once completed, these items would be displayed in Caloundra. An obvious candidate for this treatment is the Victa Airtourer. Anyone who has a lead on a suitable venue should contact Ken Woodrow. It doesn't have to be elaborate. A secure tin shed would suffice.

LIBRARY WORK PARTY: There will be a work party to stack books in the George Street room on Saturday 19 July at 1.00pm. Members who wish to assist should contact John Sutherland.

The newsletter reported:

FINANCIAL SITUATION: Things are not entirely rosy on the financial front. Recently we received two large bills the like of which we have never seen before! The first was from Brambles for $5000.00 which has now been paid in full. The second was for the concrete floor in the Caloundra hangar. The shortfall after expenditure of the Council grant comes to $6837.66. To put it simply, even after taking into account David Bussey's generous donation of $3000.00, we cannot afford to pay this account in full. Accordingly we have sought the indulgence of Total Building Service and forwarded a progress payment of $5000.00. While this does leave us with some money in the bank, it means we are in debt to the tune of $1837.66. Hopefully we will be able to find this sum in the near future. If you feel like contributing a few dollars please do so.

HOW COME? Some members may be wondering how we can afford to tender $7000.00 for a Sabre while we are claiming to be in debt to the tune of $1800.00. The answer is simple. The $7000.00 doesn't really exist. It represents sacrifices a few members are prepared to make for the long term benefit of QAM. What is certain is that the money shortfall on the concrete floor will be found. It is a fact of life that we must grab what we can when we can. Tomorrow may be too late.

CALOUNDRA DISPLAY: Latest news from Caloundra is that the boxings for the Canberra tie-down pads have been completed and the tie-down fittings have been galvanized. We are looking at the feasibility of erecting a carport type structure over the nose of the Canberra so that we can dispense with the unsightly canopy cover which also tends to chafe the paint. Obviously finance is a limiting factor here. As an interim measure our Caloundra members have been given a cash float of $100.00 for the purchase of essential items. The Drover has generated much interest from visitors so we are looking at restoring the fuselage as a Flying Doctor diorama. Suggestions are welcome. The South Brisbane TAFE is making excellent progress with the restoration of the other Vampire wing.

Elections were held on this date at the DoA theatrette at Brisbane Airport.

Mr Brian Phillips has again agreed to act as Honorary Auditor. A welcome was extended to Caloundra members Vic Clarke, John Harrison and Ron Atherley who were joining the committee for the first time. Thanks were extended to Cliff Robinson for stepping in as Treasurer. Maureen Cuskelly was welcomed to the new position of Chairperson in an attempt to streamline meetings.

1986 President's Report

The newsletter reported:

CALOUNDRA REPORT: In recent weeks much progress has been made by Vic Clarke and his team of willing workers. New member, Wal Waterton is a signwriter by trade and he has done some excellent work repainting the markings on the Drover fuselage. The inside of the aircraft has been cleaned and it now looks quite impressive. Wal is setting his sights on painting the (complete) Sea Venom. The dismantled Sea Venom is being progressively stripped and primed by Phil Bowly. Drains have been dug alongside the hangar and local engineer Ralph Freestun is preparing drainage plans. When these plans are available we will commence landscaping of the site. We are most grateful to Northcoast Landscaping who have agreed to do the work gratis. Vic and his team have recognised an urgent need for a small door in the front of the hangar and this will be installed at the first opportunity. This will simplify pedestrian access and allow for closing the western end with curtains to alleviate the dust problem. The Canberra, cockpit has received some cosmetic treatment and the concrete tie-down pads should be ready soon. Recent arrivals at Caloundra include the three engines from Toowoomba and the restored Vampire wing. The other Vampire wing is being restored by the South Brisbane TAFE and it is expected to be ready in about six weeks. Until recently the appearance of the Meteor has suffered through the lack of engine intake lip fairings. Thanks to Cliff Robinson these have now been manufactured and fitted to the aeroplane. The next big project will be painting the Canberra. It is expected that this work will be performed by members from the Brisbane area as our Caloundra friends already have plenty to do.

BICENTENNIAL ENDORSEMENT: Although we have been unable to attract funding we have been granted a Bicentennial endorsement which permits us to display the Bicentennial logo on our letterheads. The advantage here is that businesses who contribute $2000 or more to QAM are permitted to regard themselves as Bicentennial sponsors and use the Bicentennial logo on their own letterhead. As there are several significant aviation anniversaries in 1988 (1928 was a good year!) we are looking at the possibility of a special open day at Caloundra as a Bicentennial project to commemorate (for example) the anniversary of Smithy's Pacific flight. Suggestions from members will be most welcome.

The newsletter published this obituary:

AIR VICE-MARSHAL DONALD CLIFFORD TYNDALL BENNETT CB, CBE, DSO, FRAeS 1910 - 1986

It is with deep regret that we record the passing of our Patron, Don Bennett who died suddenly of a heart attack on the morning of 15th September, the day after his 76th birthday. Don's death came on the day that he and his wife Ly were due to leave for a holiday in France. Recent correspondence indicates that Don still enjoyed a game of tennis so his death was indeed unexpected. Don Bennett was born in Toowoomba on 14 September 1910 the youngest of four brothers. Don grew up on the family cattle property "Kanimbla" on the Condamine River.

At age 18 Don applied to join the RAAF and came top in the entrance examination only to have his application rejected on medical grounds. It was apparent that the sole medical objection could be his possession of a set of tonsils. These were duly removed under local anaesthetic in his doctor's surgery and a confirmatory telegram dispatched to the Air Board. The response was another telegram repeating that his application had been rejected. As a portent of things to come in his later career Don caught the train to Melbourne to confront the Air Board who were so impressed with his tenacity that they agreed to accept him. It later transpired that Don's rejection had resulted from interference from a politician whose nephew had been rejected. At the time Don qualified as a pilot, Australia was in the grip of the great depression and he was given the option of leaving the RAAF or being seconded to the RAF.

During his time in the RAF he astutely accumulated as many licences and qualifications as possible. After leaving the RAAF Don joined Imperial Airways. Here, as a result of his qualifications, he enjoyed a meteoric rise and was soon a flying boat captain. Don Bennett later flew the Mercury component of the Mayo composite aircraft in which he set a world distance record for seaplanes. At the outbreak of war Britain was desperate for aircraft. At the time aircraft were shipped across the Atlantic but too many were being lost to U-boats. In answer to the obvious question; "Could the aircraft be flown across the Atlantic?" the experts said no. Don Bennett said yes and he was duly summoned by Lord Beaverbrook who charged him with setting up what came to be known as the Atlantic Ferry. By example Don Bennett proved the experts wrong.

Back in the RAF, Don Bennett applied himself to a new project which was to affect the outcome of the war. The subsequent success of the famed Pathfinder Force is legendary and this will probably be remembered as Don Bennett's outstanding achievement. Don Bennett once again went against the tide of expert opinion when he championed the cause of a revolutionary new aircraft. This aircraft was the Mosquito. Another aeroplane with which Don Bennett had only a fleeting experience was the B-25 Mitchell. A Squadron Leader who lacked confidence in the B-25 and who confessed to never having flown one at night was detailed to provide Don Bennett with a night-time flight to view some new pyrotechnics. Such was the uneasiness of the Squadron Leader that Don Bennett thought it prudent to take command himself even though the extreme darkness of the night had prevented even a cursory external examination of the Mitchell. As would be expected, the B-25 was no problem to the master airman. This episode gave rise to a memorable anecdote. Sometime after, Don Bennett was asked if he had ever seen a Mitchell, to which he replied: "No, I have never actually seen a Mitchell - but I have flown one"!

After leaving the RAF it was suggested that Don Bennett might be appointed Governor-General of Australia. However he felt compelled to serve by applying his expertise in the field of aviation and went on to head British South American Airways. Sadly BSAA suffered a series of accidents to its new Avro Tudors. Don Bennett's defence of the Tudor brought him into conflict with bureaucracy which ultimately led to his departure from BSAA. After this Don Bennett was to participate in the Berlin Airlift with a fleet of Tudors.

Subsequently Don Bennett built light aircraft and motor cars. He entered politics for a time and vehemently opposed Britain's entry into the common market.

Don Bennett became Patron of Queensland Air Museum in January 1984. Our most recent correspondence with Don was a request that he officiate at the opening of QAM next year. Don replied that he was to attend a Pathfinder reunion in Adelaide in April and that he would get to Caloundra if he had to walk! Sadly Don will not be present at our opening but he will be there in spirit. Certainly it is national heroes like Don Bennett who we are seeking to honour. Don is survived by his wife Ly, his son Torix and daughter Noreen. We offer them our sincerest condolences. Don Bennett leaves behind a rich legacy of aviation achievement.

The newsletter reported:

The Canberra has been located on its concrete pads and chained down. At a work party on 11/12OCT86 the aircraft was washed and painting began. The Meteor has been fitted with new intake lips which were arranged and donated by Cliff Robinson. The Vampire will soon be fitted with one wing using jacks manufactured by Vic Clarke. QAM acquired the Vampire disassembled and this will be the first time that QAM has been able to assemble the aircraft. Sea Venom WZ898 is being painted by Wal Waterton. James Wing recently visited Nowra nad made several useful contacts. It emerged that they needed a pair of skids for their Iroquois. David Bussey has a pair of skids which will be exchanged for Sea Venom components. The fuselage of Drover VH-FDR has been repainted in its RFDS markings by Wal Waterton and now makes a very attractive exhibit.

"At a recent meeting we adopted Vic Clarke's suggestions for site improvements and these are now being implemented where funds permit. It is proposed that the area between the hangar and the Canberra will eventually be sealed as a carpark which will also serve as a 'taxyway' to the hangar. In the near future a small door will be installed in the frontage of the hangar. An L shaped concrete path will lead from the carpark to the door. When funds are available a small building will be erected over the door to serve as an entry vestibule/giftshop. Other areas will be grassed and landscaped."

During a recent visit to the U.K. Ken Woodrow and Mike Adams came across a pair of Bristol Hercules engines ex Handley Page Hastings. The engines are in superb condition with accessories and cowlings. Ken and Mike are prepared to arrange funding if transportation problems can be overcome.

CALOUNDRA PROGRESS REPORT: We recently obtained a quote for materials to enclose the western end of the hangar. It is intended that the hangar be closed with demountable colourbond panels to a height of approximately 10 feet. This will greatly enhance security and hopefully lessen the dust problem. It will also lend an air of mystery to the hangar so that visitors will be more inclined to pay to see what is inside. Materials for this exercise will cost approximately $600.00 which until recently would have been considered an obstacle. Fortunately though, we have just received our 1986/87 grant from the Queensland Government. In our grant application we requested $2,000.00 for fencing and $500.00 for the Vampire restoration. This is the maximum amount available under the scheme, and we have now received a cheque for this amount. Accordingly, work will soon begin on the panels which will be assembled inside the existing wire gates which will subsequently be removed for use in a fenced enclosure around the Canberra. We are advised that the South Brisbane Technical College has finished the second Vampire wing and we are hoping to collect this soon so that reassembly can take place. There are some doubts about our continued use of the Wivenhoe Dam building for storage of engines etc as we were recently advised that the arrangement would have to be renegotiated with the Queensland Electricity Commission. Clearly the writing is on the wall so we have already begun removal of some of the more attractive items to the Caloundra hangar. With the aid of the Austral Mining truck, Dick Hitchins and Charlie West have already shifted the Rolls Royce Avon and both Goblins to Caloundra where they are on display with our other engines. This marks a return to the way we used to operate in the early days. Dick and Charlie recognised that there was a job to be done so they hopped in and did it themselves in record time. The painting of Sea Venom WZ898 is nearly complete and a recent work party saw our Maryborough member Narelle Hausknecht painting the tyres with tyre black. The big news from Caloundra is that our friends at the Landsborough Shire Council have agreed to provide kerbing and channeling at the front of the hangar. This will enable us to lay drains alongside the hangar after which landscaping can commence. As the donations received at Caloundra are starting to accumulate we will be using some of these funds to make another progress payment on the concrete floor. After years of stagnation it is astounding to note that our Sunshine Coast members are currently holding three work parties each week. Everyone can be very proud of what is being achieved in Caloundra.

WORK PARTIES:

November 15/16 - At Caloundra to finish repainting of the Canberra.

November 30 - At the George Street room at 1.00pm to sort and stack books on the shelves.

Dove VH-DSM was purchased from Cec Swift at Evans Head.

ON THE WINGS OF A NOT SO SNOW WHITE DOVE: It can now be revealed that our latest aircraft acquisition referred to in the October newsletter is indeed a de Havilland Dove! This outstanding acquisition has been made possible by the excellent scrounging abilities of David Bussey. Significantly, David also funded the purchase! Although the aeroplane is virtually complete, its previous owner has removed the radios, altimeter and airspeed indicator. Everything else is there. As we are now faced with moving the Dove from northern NSW we gave some thought to the suggestion of a ferry flight. This was not a flight of fancy as Warwick Henry has considerable experience on the type and he also has several engineering contacts with the necessary licences. Unfortunately though, recent enquiries reveal that a ferry flight is not financially viable. It transpires that the Dove was retired as it was due for ultrasonic inspection of the wing spars and x-ray inspection of the engine mounts. The DoA airworthiness section advise that these requirements would not be waived for a ferry flight. Needless to say, these procedures would be very expensive as would be the need for the engines to have a top overhaul. By the time we acquire replacement instruments and radios, repair some control surfaces and arrange public liability insurance the whole exercise would be out of our league. So sadly the die is cast. We must dismantle the aeroplane for road transport. Nevertheless we thank Warwick for his efforts in this regard. This Dove has a very rich and colourful history and is indeed a prized addition to the collection. While the Dove does appear to further the trend towards a de Havilland museum it is at least a welcome departure in that it has propellers!

The newsletter reported:

CALOUNDRA REPORT: Work recently began on the demountable panels which will close the western end of the hangar. However, these panels will not be erected until the aircraft have been repositioned in the hangar. This repositioning will entail removing the Meteor from the hangar to turn it around. This repositioning comes as a result of the installation of a personnel door in the eastern end of the hangar. Until now the front of the display was at the back of the hangar and the back of the display was at the front of the hangar. As a result of the proposed repositioning front=front and back=back! This is expected to simplify communication between QAM workers! Once the aircraft have been repositioned , visitors to the museum will enter at the front of the hangar and walk between the noses of the Meteor and Sea Venom which will then lead them to the Vampire and later the Dove. The wings of the dismantled Sea Venom have already been shifted to the opposite end of the hangar which will be the new work area. Vic Clarke has done an excellent job of installing the door at the front of the hangar but sadly we must report that Vic suffered a bad cut to his wrist in the process. Vic is now enjoying a three week sabbatical and we wish him a speedy recovery. In a similar vein we also wish a speedy recovery to Don Carter who has been in hospital for a minor operation. Laurie Fox has been moving house and Wal "Michaelangelo" Waterton has just returned from a holiday in Port Macquarie. Now that Wal has returned he has finished the large QAM sign which will soon be fixed to the front of the hangar. Recent heavy rain has once again highlighted the urgent need for us to make some progress with drainage. Local engineer, Ralph Freestun has prepared a drainage plan and we hope to see some developments soon. Once the drainage is attended to we can proceed with landscaping. It was hoped that these matters could have been finalised before the end of the year but this may not be possible. Nevertheless, we have still made outstanding progress towards an official opening in April next year. Dick Hitchins has moved a second load from Wivenhoe to Caloundra. This load comprised the Lincoln mid-upper turret, the Cheetah engine and the Meteor target-towing winch. Big news concerns the Vampire which now has both wings fitted thus enabling the aircraft to be moved on its own undercarriage. Reassembly will be completed as soon as we can transport the booms and tailplane to Caloundra. We extend a warm welcome to a new member, Ron Wardlaw of Caloundra. During his RAAF service Ron worked on Spitfires and Beaufighters.

DOVE UPDATE: Since the November newsletter there has been renewed interest in the possibility of a ferry flight. As we wish to keep all options open we have decided to await further engineering advice on the status of the aeroplane. We extend our thanks to Bill Cresswell who recently delivered the log books and manuals to us.

The newsletter reported:

CALOUNDRA UPDATE: The big news is that Mrs. Ly Bennett will be visiting Brisbane in April and she recently confirmed her wish to participate in the opening of QAM. Accordingly, after due consideration to Mrs. Bennett's other commitments, we have agreed on the date 4th April for the grand opening ceremony. To those of you who have visited the Museum recently it will be readily apparent that there is still much to be done before the opening. It is pleasing to report that as far as the aeroplanes are concerned, we are in very good shape. The Sea Venom is complete and looking immaculate. The Vampire is also complete and is now being painted. The Bristol Scout replica was recently transported to Caloundra and re-assembled. The Scout is in need of some minor repairs as a result of that big hailstorm two years ago. After these repairs and after the Vampire is painted, the Scout will be repainted in authentic World War One colours. It should be possible to finish all of this work prior to the opening. The Meteor was recently fitted with all of its target towing equipment. Several members have expressed the opinion that this detracts from the appearance of the Meteor and indeed there can be little argument that this is so. Nevertheless, it must be remembered that while the Meteor carries its present highly specialised target towing livery, it would be inappropriate to display the aeroplane without its target towing equipment given that this equipment was the reason for a very offbeat colour scheme! Certainly WD647 is now a more interesting display and indeed it might even be unique! In recent months QAM has realized several long held dreams. With financial assistance from BHP and Spantech, Wal Waterton has painted a fine sign for the front of the hangar. This sign now proclaims proudly that this is the Queensland Air Museum! While on the subject of signs, the Council has erected another excellent sign under the Caloundra Aerodrome sign on the main road. This sign states simply "Queensland Air Museum". Since the inception of QAM nearly thirteen years ago we have always recognised the importance of an advertising brochure. Unfortunately we were unable to act on this for two reasons. We had nothing to promote and we couldn't afford it. While the second reason still holds true, the first one certainly no longer applies. We are extremely grateful to Mr. Pat McMahon of Suncoast Printers for printing a fine brochure free of charge. Those of you who have visited the museum recently will have seen the brochure already. Others will find a brochure enclosed with this newsletter. The most pressing item which will need attention before the opening is drainage/landscaping. Local engineer Ralph Freestun has prepared a drainage plan and Rocla have confirmed their earlier offer to donate concrete pipes. These pipes are expected to be available at the end of January although we are required to collect them ourselves. Consequently there will be a number of work parties in coming weeks to lay the pipes so that a local landscaper can work his magic on the site. Hopefully, by the time this is published, the Council will have begun the kerbing along the frontage. While we are extremely satisfied with the state of the aircraft themselves, the supporting displays will need a lot of work before the opening. Our thanks go to Charlie West who recently obtained a large reception desk which will soon be positioned at the front door. Preparations for the opening could be assisted greatly if we are lucky enough to receive a favourable response to an application for a grant from Jupiters Casino. Jupiters recently solicited applications and we have asked for assistance with sealing the carpark and providing display cases. While there is much to be done before the opening it is all within our grasp. We will be forming a committee to co-ordinate all aspects of the opening and ask that all members lend their support.

STOP PRESS: An influx of visitors over the Christmas/New Year break means that we can pay off the remaining debt on the concrete floor. Our sincere thanks to Aldo Bevacqua for his indulgence.

As per the new brochure, the museum is open on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am until 4pm.

DOVE UPDATE: Even though there was renewed interest in the possibility of a ferry flight, we have now determined that the requirement for the spars and engine mounts to be x-rayed will not be waived for a ferry flight. Therefore we are obliged to transport the Dove by road. While we would like to have the Dove at Caloundra for the opening, we feel that the manpower could be better utilised in beautifying the site. Therefore we have decided to defer the Dove recovery until after the opening.

The newsletter reported:

OUR DREAM COMES TRUE: This will be the last newsletter before our grand opening which has been scheduled for 2.00p.m. on Saturday 4th April. Special guest of honour will be Mrs. Ly Bennett, wife of our late Patron Air Vice-Marshal Don Bennett. Our local State member, Mr. Mike Ahern will also be attending. We have printed 400 invitations and these will be mailed to the many people who have assisted QAM over the years (plus a few who haven't!) as well as these people we will be inviting people who may be able to assist in the future. As a member of QAM, this is your invitation to attend the ceremony. We are expecting a maximum effort on the part of the members to assist with staffing the display and making our many invited guests welcome. If you are not prepared to make a genuine effort to attend you should ask yourself: "What am I doing in this organisation?" After all, if Mrs. Bennett can come all the way from the U.K. for what will probably be a melancholy mission for her it should not be too much to expect our local members to attend a celebration. Think about it. Clearly we will need as many members as possible early on the Saturday morning to help set up a marquee behind the hangar and give the display a last minute tidy. Some members are planning to travel to Caloundra on Friday evening so if you are able to do likewise your assistance will be appreciated. The Landsborough Shire Council have generously offered to assist with the provision of refreshments for our invited guests and members may be required to assist with serving. There is a possibility that a locally based Harvard will be attending if a fuel sponsor can be found. In short there will be plenty for our members to do so please make every effort to be there. Above all, remember that this is a celebration so bring your families and watch your dream come true!

THE DAY AFTER: Members are reminded that Sunday 5th April is the date for the Suncoast Model Flyers display at Sippy Downs near Caloundra. Once again, QAM will be the principal beneficiary of this charity event. The Museum will be mounting a display at Sippy Downs and members will be required to assist with manning the gates to collect admission monies. Members will also be required to man the QAM display. Last year this display improved our bank account to the tune of $1,200.00! If you can't attend the opening on the Saturday, please make yourself available on the Sunday to help at Sippy Downs. If you can stay the weekend and help on both days all the better. Make no mistake, we need the money!

CALOUNDRA UPDATE: The most significant news from Caloundra concerns site improvements. Several work parties have now finished the drains alongside the hangar. The Council has completed the kerbing and channeling and the frontage is now being prepared for grassing and landscaping. Arrangements are now in hand to have power and water connected to the hangar before the opening. By the time this newsletter is published, a small low-set house will have appeared on the site behind the hangar. This house has been acquired and relocated under very favourable circumstances and were sincerely thank all concerned. Plans for our utilisation of the house are yet to be finalised but most likely a large portion will be allocated to display of items such as uniforms and memorabilia. We also hope to include "lunchroom" facilities for members staffing the display. On the subject of aircraft, work continues on the painting of the Vampire. This work has been assisted greatly by John Best who provided some excellent drawings of the Vampire’s markings when acquired by QAM. Recently Phil Bowly was injured when the Vampire canopy fell on his head delivering a nasty cut which required nine stitches. Vic Clarke was in hospital recently but he is now recovering nicely. The Bristol Scout is looking very smart in the markings of the sole Bristol Scout D which came to Australia. Painting activity has slowed with Wal "Michaelangelo" Waterton away on holidays but Wal promises to return with a paint brush in each hand in mid March.

BICENTENNIAL ENDORSEMENT: Members will be aware that QAM is an endorsed (albeit self-funded) Bicentennial Project. To commemorate this, Mr. Laurie Strange from the Bicentennial Authority will be presenting a certificate at the Museum on Saturday 28th March at 2.00p.m. We hope to arrange media coverage for the event so a good roll up of members would be appreciated.

The March 1987 issue of the QAM newsletter was the last to be produced by the Gestetner process. All future editions were photocopied.

QAM opened at Caloundra. The Air Vice Marshal D.C.T. Bennett, C.B., C.B.E., D.S.O., F.R.A.E.S. Memorial Building (Hangar 1) was officially opened by Mrs Ly Bennett in the presence of invited guests.

The opening was reported in the first edition of the newsletter to be prepared in a word processor (Wordstar) and photocopied.

WORTH THE 14 YEAR WAIT!: Our opening ceremony on Saturday 4th April was an outstanding success. Despite some concern over the weather, there was only a brief shower during the ceremony. We distributed 400 invitations and received just over 200 acceptances. However, the hired marquee was soon bulging with an estimated 350 guests! We are grateful to Cliff Robinson for supplying 250 chairs free of charge and to Cobbs Canvas World for supplying the marquee at a special discount price.

Proceedings began at approximately 2.10 p.m. with an introduction by Master of Ceremonies, Councillor John Harrison. Responding on behalf of QAM, President Dick Hitchins reflected the emotion shared by all members on this special day. The next speaker was Mr. Robert Staines, President of the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce. In his address, Mr. Staines praised the contributions of the local business community and confirmed the Chamber's intention to continue assisting QAM in the future. The State Member for Landsborough and Queensland Minister for Health, the Hon. Mike Ahern spoke in glowing terms of QAM's achievements. In his address, Mr. Ahern compared the forecast $60,000,000.00 budget of the proposed National Air & Space Museum with the achieved $60,000.00 cost of setting up QAM. In an impromptu address by long time QAM supporter, Mr. Don Cameron [Federal Member for Moreton] the failure of successive Federal Governments to support QAM was slammed, a comment which drew support from representatives of all political parties present. Introducing our special guest of honour, Mrs. Ly Bennett, the President of the Pathfinder Force Association, Sqn. Leader Allan Vial highlighted the outstanding aviation achievements of Don Bennett. By the time Mrs. Bennett came to the microphone, emotions were running high in the audience. Mrs. Bennett later confided that this was something of an ordeal for her but nevertheless she immediately won the hearts of all present with her charm and dignity. Mrs. Bennett then unveiled a superb brass plaque and in so doing named the Air Vice-Marshal D.C.T. Bennett Memorial Building. Dick Hitchins then escorted Mrs. Bennett to the front door of the building where our "elder statesman" Vic Clarke handed over a pair of engraved scissors with which Mrs. Bennett cut a ribbon across the door. As the door opened, Mrs. Bennett was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Kerryn Sutherland.

As the building had been closed all morning, the opening ceremony had more visual impact on our invited guests as they viewed the collection for the first time. Several members stationed themselves at major exhibits to answer questions. Many favourable comments were heard and the donation box yielded almost $100.00! After inspecting the Museum, guests were invited to afternoon tea at the Aero Club. We thank the Landsborough Shire Council for providing the refreshments and the Aero Club for making their premises available. We also thank the ladies of the local Meals on Wheels for serving refreshments. At precisely 3.00 p.m. guests were treated to a superb aerobatic display by Barry Hempel in his Super Chipmunk VH-BVP. Barry volunteered his services for the day for the cost of his fuel. This was sponsored by the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce to whom we are most grateful. Thanks Barry! Your display was the icing on the cake!

There are many people who we wish to thank for making our special day such a success. It is inevitable that we will overlook someone as there were so many helpers. If there are any glaring omissions please advise the editor and the matter will be corrected in the next issue. We thank the local Naval Cadets for providing a guard of honour and also providing a handsome flagpole on long-term loan. The grounds in front of the building have been transformed with the laying of turf and planting of trees and garden beds. A red brick path now extends from the front door to the kerb thus virtually eliminating muddy footprints from the building! For these improvements we sincerely thank Hans Drechsler of North Coast Landscapes. QAM has never been short of photographers. However all of our photographers were fully occupied with other work and we were faced with having nobody available to record this historic occasion. Fortunately, new member Doug McMillan is a professional photographer and he did a superb job of recording proceedings. All photos in this newsletter are Doug's unless otherwise credited. Doug has also done some excellent copying work for us and his copy prints of the Short Mayo composite aircraft were very well received by Mrs. Bennett. Thanks Doug, and welcome to QAM! The public address system and audio recording were supplied by Rick Wiseman of Queensland Audio. [Rick is also James Wing's future brother-in-law.] Thanks Rick, James and especially James' sister!! Amongst the many members who helped to make the day such a success there were many "above and beyond" performances which must be recognised. Our "front line" consisted of the ladies on guest reception. We thank Hillary Atherley, Peg Clarke, Shirley Waterton and Maureen Cuskelly for greeting our guests. We also thank our ushers who attended to seating, namely Don Carter, Vic Clarke, Ron Atherley and Wal [Michaelangelo/Leonardo da Vinci/Wally Walpamur/Top Gun] Waterton. We thank Phil Bowly for his intensive work in preparing the grounds for the opening. The transformation is a sight to behold. It was most pleasing to see Bob Sopinski helping with preparations. Bob is recovering from a lengthy illness so his efforts were much appreciated. We thank Cliff Robinson for providing the chairs and arranging a magnificent plaque. Sadly, Cliff was unable to attend the opening because of a long-standing family commitment. Nevertheless, Cliff was there in spirit. Our Master-of-Ceremonies, John Harrison did a fine job and we remember that it was John's initiative which resulted in QAM moving to Caloundra in the first place. We thank Beverley Harrison whose inspired "collection" at the Aero Club substantially paid for the marquee! Many members enjoyed a barbecue at the Museum site on the Saturday night thanks to Mike Adams and Ken Woodrow who constructed this remarkable edifice over several weekends. The stacking and transporting of chairs was a task which assumed monumental proportions as the weekend wore on. Once again we would have been lost without the Austral Mining truck for which we thank Keith Carmody. Ken Woodrow and James Wing made a special trip to Caloundra on the Friday night with chairs. Several other members assisted with the subsequent movement of chairs. We record the inauguration of our newly acquired house as sleeping quarters by itinerant members by Martin Hooper, David Bussey, James Wing, Ken Woodrow and Mike Adams who camped in the house overnight.

To the best of your editor's knowledge, the following is an alphabetical list of all members who assisted with the opening ceremony: Thank-you everyone!
Mike Adams
Ron & Hillary Atherley
Phil Bowly
David Bussey
Don Carter
Vic & Peg Clarke
Ron & Maureen Cuskelly
Laurie Fox
Dick Hitchins
John & Beverley Harrison
Martin Hooper
Noel Johnston
Doug McMillan
Cliff Robinson
Nick Sayer
Bob Sopinski
Wal & Shirley Waterton
Ron Wardlaw
James Wing
Ken Woodrow

Your editor will happily rectify any omissions in the next issue

AT LAST - A PLACE

Opening Ceremony Programme

Ly Bennett and Dick Hitchins

Guests in the marquee

The display inside the hangar

The QAM Barbecue

The newsletter reported:

SIPPY DOWNS - THE WHEEL CAME OFF!!: On the Sunday following the opening we were committed to taking the Bristol Scout replica to the Suncoast Model Flyers display at Sippy Downs where QAM was once again the principal beneficiary of this charity event. Despite the threatening weather, it was decided that we should honour our undertaking and several very tired members set about dismantling the aircraft for loading on the Austral truck. The first load consisting of the top wing in its huge carrying case, the two lower wings, the rudder and tailplane were successfully deposited at Sippy Downs. A manpower shortage saw Maureen Cuskelly alone in the Museum to cope with a sudden influx of about 50 visitors, such was the success of media coverage of the opening! The fuselage was duly loaded on the truck which departed for Sippy Downs only to return in heavy rain several minutes later. En route to Sippy Downs the left-hand axle of the Scout fractured and the wheel literally fell off! Fortunately the aircraft stayed in formation with the truck. Sadly this put paid to our participation at Sippy Downs as there was insufficient time to repair the wheel or arrange an alternative tent display. Nevertheless the day was judged a success even though the weather affected attendances. The event was officially opened by Mrs. Ly Bennett. Once again Charlie and Jean West accompanied by Charlie and Meg Froggatt did sterling service manning the gates.

The newsletter reported:

CALOUNDRA UPDATE: We have not previously recorded that Vic Clarke expressed a wish to step down as Co-ordinator in favour of a younger member. Accordingly, Phil Bowly was elected as Vic's successor. Phil has carried on the fine work started by Vic and we thank Phil for his hard work particularly in the hectic period leading up to the official opening. Although Vic is no longer our Co-ordinator he wishes to continue his involvement with the Museum and we all welcome his presence as "elder statesman". While it is proving difficult for some members to travel to Caloundra it is even more difficult for our Caloundra members to travel to Brisbane for meetings which invariably extend late into the night. Therefore it was most pleasing to have Wal Waterton attend the business meeting on 5th May where he was able to present a Caloundra Update in person. Wal is currently painting the wings of the Scout replica so that the aeroplane now wears more authentic markings. With the imminent arrival of the Dove at Caloundra, Cliff Robinson has been working very hard building a fenced enclosure at the back of the hangar. Cliff has been ably assisted by Phil Bowly. The house ["Chateau Caloundra"] is ready for stumping as soon as the ground dries out. Stumps are in place and the house will soon be lowered into place after which certain cyclone proofing work will be undertaken. When this is completed we will look at using the house to expand our display area. The front entrance to the Museum has been greatly enhanced by Wal Waterton's handiwork as can be seen from the following photograph.

RECENT DONATIONS: Member, Lew Blackmore [author of the excellent book on the Bentley BR2 engine] has generously donated the sum of $1,000.00 toward the cost of acquiring and importing the Bristol Hercules engine. Thank you Lew, we feel sure you will be pleased with your investment. The Royal Air Forces Association have donated $50.00 which is gratefully acknowledged. Thank you everyone! We understand from Australian National Lines that our Hercules engine has arrived in Australia and that delivery is imminent.

AMBERLEY BRANCH: Sadly we must record the closure of our Amberley Branch. While the branch was never short of enthusiasm, the continual posting of members has taken its toll to the point where only Steve Eather was left holding the bag. Subsequently, all QAM property was collected from Amberley and transported to Caloundra with the added bonus of several items collected by the Amberley Branch. Sadly, as reported earlier, the prop shaft, reduction gear and housing from the Allison were pilfered during its storage at Amberley. This was despite the best efforts of our Amberley members to safeguard QAM property. Hopefully though, a recent donation might make good the loss.

Dove VH-DSM trucked from Evans Head to Caloundra

The Dove Recovery

The newsletter reported:

WONDERFUL NEWS!!: We are delighted to announce that Mrs. Ly Bennett has accepted our invitation to become Patron of QAM. During Mrs. Bennett's recent visit for the opening of the Museum, the members took her into their hearts and we are therefore especially pleased to welcome Ly Bennett into the QAM family. Other pleasing news is that Don Bennett's birthplace, Toowoomba, is to honour him with the erection of a plaque at Toowoomba Airport.

HERCULES HANDOVER: Our Bristol Hercules engine has arrived from the U.K. and what a fine display it is. At a small ceremony at the MacPak warehouse on Wednesday 27th May, the engine was handed over in the presence of representatives of Australian National Lines and the Bicentennial Authority. We wish to thank ANL for transporting the engine and MacPak for attending to administrative requirements. Thanks also to Lew Blackmore for financing the acquisition with a donation of $1,000.00! We thank Ken Woodrow and Mike Adams for locating the engine in the first place and Cliff Robinson for helping with import permits etc. Especially though, we thank James Wing and his parents for their "labours of Hercules" without which the engine would still be in the U.K. The engine was subsequently transported to Caloundra on the Austral Mining truck. It was unloaded and placed inside the building with a crane loaned by Sel Larsen. Thank-you everyone!

VERY IMPORTANT VISITOR: QAM recently had a very distinguished visitor in the form of Queensland Premier, Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen. Sir Joh and Lady Flo were passing through Caloundra Aerodrome en route to a conference at Buderim when they were "flagged down" by several enterprising members. Although his busy schedule permitted only a brief inspection, Sir Joh seemed impressed with the display. Before leaving, Sir Joh left his signature in the visitors book.

THE DOVE SAGA: The Dove has now been largely re-assembled and positioned inside its fenced enclosure behind the hangar at Caloundra. The aeroplane is rich in history and it will make a fine display once it is painted. In fact, the history of this Dove is so rich that we now find ourselves in a dilemma deciding which livery should be displayed on the aeroplane! As the Dove recovery draws to a close we thank David Bussey for locating the aircraft and arranging and funding its purchase. We also thank Cec Swift of Swiftair for selling the aeroplane under such favourable circumstances. The recovery was a brilliant operation both in planning and execution and for this we thank Ken Woodrow and Mike Adams. The operation was completed on schedule and under budget. For this we thank Keith Carmody of Austral Mining for the use of their truck. Similarly we thank the Brisbane Bottle Exchange for providing their truck. All members and non-members who participated in the recovery are named in Malcolm Hood's graphic account which follows.

The Dove Recovery

The newsletter reported:

CALOUNDRA MEETINGS: For some time we have appreciated the necessity of involving our Caloundra members in the running of QAM. This is one reason for holding our AGM in Caloundra as we want to see some Caloundra members on the committee. We acknowledge that there are difficulties associated with the distance between Brisbane and Caloundra but we must learn to live with this. Accordingly we have decided to hold regular monthly meetings at the Museum on the weekend immediately after the monthly business meeting [first Tuesday of every month]. The Caloundra meeting will be held on either the Saturday or the Sunday depending on the requirements of work parties etc. If a formal meeting is not feasible, there will be at least a briefing/feedback session involving a senior committee member from Brisbane. The next Caloundra meeting will be on Saturday 8th August.

CALOUNDRA UPDATE: While our use of the house is stalled pending resolution of the Council's cyclone rating requirements, many other improvements have taken place. A second fire door has been installed in the rear wall and a water tap has been installed at the rear of the house. Our Japanese machine gun has been placed on display bolted to the floor [ with the approval of the local Police!] and a letterbox opening has been installed in the front door. The engine collection continues to receive cosmetic treatment and the Wirraway/Boomerang propellor is being restored for display. Concrete tie down pads have been laid for the Dove and the fin and rudder have been fitted to the aeroplane. The tailplane and elevators are currently under repair in Brisbane.

KING NEPTUNE CALLS: Many of our members will recall that when the Neptunes were being retired, QAM did a lot of lobbying to acquire an aircraft. As a result of our efforts, the then Defence Minister, Jim Killen, ordered that A89-281 be flown to Amberley for disposal. Although it was a common belief at Amberley that the aircraft was for QAM, the Neptune was put up for tender by the Department of Administrative Services. The rest is history. Someone else put in a higher bid and we lost our Neptune. This was a bitter blow as the aircraft went to a private collection which had apparently expressed no interest in Neptunes disposals at Townsville and Laverton. It was only after QAM did all the leg work that they decided that they had to have a Neptune. Call it poetic justice if you like but that private collection is now up for sale and "our" Neptune is up for grabs again. The Chewing Gum Field Museum on the Gold Coast is being wound up and its collection of aircraft is being advertised for tender world wide. Obviously, QAM will be submitting a tender for the Neptune but in the light of our financial position it will only be a nominal tender with little liklihood of success with competition coming from many sources. The size of the QAM tender and our potential for success depends entirely on receiving offers of financial assistance from QAM members. Now is your opportunity to see that justice is finally done. While we would like to receive some large donations, members should not be embarrassed to offer smaller donations. Already we have missed out on a Sabre because we couldn't raise enough funds. We are now faced with missing out for a second time on an aeroplane that should have been ours. If you can help, please let us have your donation to the Neptune Fund. No need to send money straight away, a pledge will suffice. Please contact David Bussey on 3556701 or Ron Cuskelly on 2621058. Please don't delay as time is running out.

The newsletter reported:

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: The AGM was an outstanding success and was very well attended by both Brisbane and Caloundra members. The meeting itself was held in the front room of "Chateau Caloundra". [In recognition of a certain member's work on the house, this room shall be known henceforth as the "Wing Wing".] This proved to be a most pleasant venue for a meeting with a delightful sea breeze and the sounds of aeroplanes flying past the front door. After the meeting, many members stayed on for a barbecue which was followed by a relaxing slide show under the stars [they have more stars at Caloundra than we have in Brisbane!] Although the Museum is predominantly a venue for work, it is rapidly developing a very enjoyable club atmosphere.

OFFICE-BEARERS FOR 1987/88: The makeup of the new Committee reflects the increased emphasis on activities at Caloundra and it is most pleasing to see so many Sunshine Coast members on the Committee. Perhaps the most significant change is the election of Wal Waterton to the position of Vice-President. This has proved to be a very popular decision and there can be no doubt that Wal will receive the full co-operation of all members. The position of Caloundra Co-ordinator has been abolished as it was clearly becoming too onerous for one person. Accordingly, Phil Bowly now holds the position of Restoration Assistant although his activities will be largely unchanged. Nick Sayer moves to the very important position of Secretary, a function which has lain dormant for some time. Hopefully Nick will be able to assist newly-returned President, Dick Hitchins with the masses of correspondence the Museum has to handle. Although expressing a desire to step down, Dick was duly returned as President on the basis that nobody does it better. A significant change to the Committee is the division of the Public Relations function into P.R.O. Brisbane and P.R.O. Caloundra. James Wing assumes the role of PRO Brisbane, a function he has performed unofficially for some time. As PRO Caloundra we managed to railroad elect Don Carter in his absence on leave! Until Don returns, the position will be filled by Ron Wardlaw. Reflecting the importance of Caloundra gate takings, Ron Atherley's position has now been formalised as Treasurer Caloundra. Also serving as Committee members [ministers without portfolios if you wish] are Vic Clarke and John Harrison.

Elections were held on this date:

CHATEAU CALOUNDRA: Cliff Robinson reports: Every blessing has its problems, and our "house on the spot" arrived gratis.....but with expenses arising. To bring the house up to cyclone rating standard, we have a list of work as long as the proverbial arm of the law. Thankfully, a helpful building inspector went to a great deal of trouble to show us what was required and make helpful suggestions. Even so, a professional quote for the work would have meant collecting rather more Coke cans than James Wing would have drunk in the next five years, so it was back to "do it ourselves". A three day stint by some of the troops has seen about 5/8 of the work done, with some 300 straps and anchors fitted. The remaining jobs are:
1. Roof structure strengthening.
2. Roof sheet re-screwing.
3. Re-sheeting of eaves.
4. Stormwater connection.
5. Build front porch and steps.
These jobs will be tackled approximately in this order at the monthly workparties. Even on a "do it ourselves" basis, the materials cost will be about $1000.00. Needless to say, there are opportunities for you to get involved. The next work party will be on the weekend of 12/13 September.

DROVER UPDATE: As part of our Bicentennial activities we plan to internally restore the Drover fuselage as a Flying Doctor diorama. Accordingly, the Drover is no longer a "toolshed"! Wal Waterton has commenced the restoration by restoring the inside of the main door. Floor panels have been replaced and we are currently looking at replacing the headliner. Many years ago, the late Barry Flood unearthed a number of genuine Drover seats in a hangar at Archerfield. Two of these were recently offered up to the aeroplane. While the metal frames are restorable, the seat cushions and backs are beyond repair. In a remarkable co-incidence Hawker de Havilland at Bankstown donated two "reject" seat backs and cushions which were removed from their aeroplane. Despite Hawker de Havilland's apologies for sending us "junk" this is a major windfall which couldn't have been more timely. The seats are currently in the hands of car restorer par excellence, Bob Bean for restoration. If anyone has information on the interior configuration of RFDS Drovers we will be very pleased to hear from you.

CALOUNDRA NEWS: Wal Waterton and Ron Atherley recently attended a Rotary dinner in Caloundra. At the dinner it was proposed by noted aviation historian, Ted Wixted, that a presently un-named beach at Caloundra be named "Victory Beach" in honour of the DH50 VH-UER "Victory" which crashed into the sea in the area on 8th December 1935. Hopefully, Rotary will fully embrace this imaginative proposal.

The newsletter reported:

BRIAN PHILLIPS: It is with deep regret that we record the passing of Brian Phillips. Brian served QAM for many years as our Honorary Auditor. Several QAM treasurers have enjoyed Brian's help and advice over the years so he will be sadly missed. Our sincere condolences go to Brian's family.

CHEWING GUM FIELD: The outcome of the recent sale of the Chewing Gum Field Museum has unfortunately been a big disappointment for QAM. It was obvious from the outset that many of the aircraft would be out of the financial reach of QAM. Consequently our efforts were directed towards the Neptune and the DC-3. We have established that the DC-3 was sold to the Aeroplane Car Company at Springwood and the Neptune has been sold to a buyer in Melbourne! The DC-3 has already been placed on display at Springwood in the company colours of the Aeroplane Car Company. The sale of the Neptune to yet another private individual continues a scandal which was set in train many years ago. The Neptune in question [A89-281] was to be put up for disposal at Townsville but as a result of a concerted lobbying campaign by QAM, was flown to Amberley for disposal. Subsequently the aeroplane was sold to a private individual who claimed at the time to be a museum similarly constituted to QAM. It is now known that even though QAM had done all the legwork, the Neptune was sold by the Dept. of Administrative Services for $1,500.00! There can be no doubt that the Neptune has been resold for a handsome profit. Thus we have yet another example of how tenders are mismanaged by the bureaucrats in Canberra. The debacles of the Hercules and Coastwatch tenders affect the whole nation but this incompetence also filters down to impact on QAM. As an example, that beautiful Sea Venom WZ898 which now resides in the Caloundra hangar was put up for tender as a "lot of scrap metal formerly Sea Venom aircraft WZ898". Indeed the Dept. of Administrative Services allocated the aeroplane to a scrap dealer who had bid $400.00 which was exactly twice the QAM bid. On receipt of this bit of information, the Navy was outraged and promptly informed the Dept. of Admin. Services that the Navy would prefer to see the aeroplane go to a Museum. Fortunately sanity prevailed and the Sea Venom was sold to QAM for $200.00. Thus for the want of a paltry $200.00 the Sea Venom would have been destroyed and a scrap dealer would have profited from the destruction. The original Departmental assessment that the aircraft was only "scrap metal" was totally unrealistic and one is tempted to speculate that the sale to the scrapper was "engineered" from the beginning. So, next time you are admiring our Sea Venom at Caloundra, pause to reflect on what might have been and how the disposal of taxpayers' property is being mismanaged in Canberra. This brings us neatly to the next item.

MIRAGE: QAM is currently endeavouring to persuade the federal government to donate a Mirage to the Museum. It is our belief that the government should be able to donate a Mirage as a Bicentennial gift. After all, QAM is an endorsed Bicentennial project albeit a self-funded one. We have not uttered one word of complaint that there have been no Bicentennial funds forthcoming. The donation of a Mirage would appear to be an easy way for the federal government to demonstrate that it does support endorsed Bicentennial activities. The cost of such a gesture would be practically nil. Yet once again we come up against the faceless "Sir Humphreys" in the Department of Local Government and Administrative Services [DOLGAS] who insist that Mirages will be put up for tender in the normal fashion because there aren't enough to go around. However, the September issue of "RAAF News" states that there are still 42 Mirages operational. This obviously does not include those aircraft which have already been removed from service but which would be eminently suitable for display. A conservative estimate of extant Mirages would be more like 60. On this basis there would be sufficient Mirages to present one to every established museum and RAAF base in the nation! The question therefore arises: Are they planning to destroy some Mirages? If we are faced with having to tender for a Mirage we would have to come up with something in excess of $1,000.00 to mount a believable tender. To put it bluntly, we haven't got $1,000.00. However, as taxpayers, we have already paid for the Mirages so why should we have to pay again for the privilege of displaying a Mirage to the tax payers who paid for it in the first place. If the British Government can donate an aeroplane to QAM [the Meteor] why can't our own government match them in our Bicentennial year? In the past 14 years, the federal government's treatment of QAM has been consistently shabby. If you are outraged by this continuing contempt of your efforts to put something worthwhile back into the community, feel free to say so to your federal member.

CALOUNDRA UPDATE: While work continues on Chateau Caloundra many other improvements have been made elsewhere. The most obvious is the large mobile sign which is wheeled out to the roadside each opening day. This double-sided sign is positioned facing the traffic and as a result Museum attendances have increased substantially. With the realisation that it is no longer desirable to use the Scout replica as a mobile display item, we are left with an enormous packing crate taking up room in the hangar. This crate was constructed at some considerable expense to protect the upper mainplane during transportation so we are reluctant to see it go to waste. Consequently, one enterprising member will soon begin converting the crate to a showcase! The lid will be used to build shelves and sliding glass doors will be added. To further conserve space inside the hangar, it was recently agreed that the Drover wings and the Sea Venom wings will be moved outside into the fenced compound where they will be covered and tied down. The Drover fuselage has been moved to a more prominent position where it now rests on a custom-built trolley while internal restoration continues. "Engine Row" is being reorganised to conserve space and facilitate easier viewing. The Bristol Hercules is presently having its stand painted after which it will be repositioned to "Engine Row". When funds permit, we propose to acquire a lawn locker so that mowers and garden tools can be removed from the hangar. During the recent school holidays the Museum was opened on a daily basis which proved most successful. It is intended that this will also be the case during the Christmas/New Year break. Needless to say we need more volunteers to help with staffing.

The newsletter reported:

CALOUNDRA WORKPARTY: There will be a weekend workparty on 14/15 November to work on the house. Cliff Robinson reports that the cyclone proofing work is nearly complete. After the construction of a front porch and stairs, most remaining work is of a cosmetic nature. We have already spent approximately $2,000.00 on the house. While this represents a large sum for a small organisation, it also represents an extraordinarily cheap house! It appears that some confusion has arisen over the Museum's plans for the house when it is completed. To set the record straight, current plans call for the house to be used for display and storage. It is not intended to serve as a "caretaker's residence". If you can assist at the workparty, please contact Cliff Robinson.

This edition of the newsletter was the first to carry the Bicentennial logo. The newsletter reported:

QAM BICENTENNIAL PROGRAM: As an endorsed Bicentennial project, QAM has nominated itself for commemorating several significant anniversaries which fall during 1988. These are all listed in the official Bicentennial Calendar of Events as follows:

February 20-21:60th anniversary of Hinkler's flight U.K. to Aust.
May 15: 60th anniversary of establishment of R.F.D.S.
June 11-12: 60th anniversary of Smithy's Pacific flight.
September 11: 60th anniversary of first trans-Tasman flight by Smithy in the "Southern Cross".
October 8-9: 50th anniversary of Don Bennett's record breaking flight U.K. to South Africa.

Members will surely agree that these are very significant events indeed. It should be noted that the dates quoted are the weekends closest to the actual anniversary. It is proposed that special displays will be mounted in the Museum on the dates nominated. To this end, members who can assist with relevant photos or memorabilia should please contact David Bussey.

CALOUNDRA UPDATE: As usual, much progress has been made by our "quiet achievers" in Caloundra. The Drover now sports a smart grey headliner and carpet while work on the internal restoration continues. Wal Waterton has prepared a superb honour board which records the names of individuals and organisations who have assisted QAM to become established at Caloundra. The honour board is displayed adjacent to the main door and, as would be expected, it is a work of art. "Engine Row" is looking much brighter since all the engine stands were painted yellow. The Cheetah, which previously rested on an old tyre, now boasts a new stand thanks to Vic Clarke. Several shade trees have been planted around the BBQ and members on mowing duty should exercise care in this area. A small members notice board has been erected in the area behind the Scout. On this board there is provision for members to put their names down for museum duty. Recently we had to replace the lock on the main door and consequently all keys had to be reissued. A list of all key holders is posted on the noticeboard and all members who have not yet done so should sign for their key [all keys are numbered]. As advised previously, we are opening the museum on a daily basis over the holiday period. Our Sunshine Coast members are prepared to look after the museum during the week but more Brisbane members are required to help at weekends. Please do your share as the percentage of members helping at the museum is pathetically small. The Canberra surprised us all recently by sitting on her tail during a spell of heavy rain! Although there was no damage done, the concrete pad to which the nosewheel was chained simply lifted out of the ground! Until the pad can be rendered heavier, the tail is supported by a trestle.

LONG LIVE THE PREMIER!: Although it is not the function of this newsletter to comment on political matters, mention must be made of recent events in Queensland politics because of their direct bearing on QAM. Everyone but the most reclusive of all hermits would be aware that Queensland has a new Premier, Mr. Mike Ahern. Some members may not realise that QAM is situated in Mr. Ahern's electorate. It will be recalled that Mr. Ahern represented the then Premier at our opening ceremony in April this year. At this ceremony, Mr. Ahern spoke of QAM in glowing terms and indeed in subsequent correspondence, he has stated that he is "proud to have QAM in his electorate." Congratulations Mr. Premier!

FLYING BOAT ANNIVERSARY: This month sees the 50th anniversary of the first flying boat service from Brisbane to the U.K. That this service departed from the Brisbane River will be commemorated by the unveiling of a plaque on Sunday 20th December at 2.00 p.m. Officiating at the unveiling will be the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Alderman Sallyanne Atkinson. The venue for the ceremony will be the Maritime Museum at South Brisbane. This commemoration is the brainchild of member Jack Petersen who is to be congratulated for his initiative. The plaque, which features a reference to QAM, is being funded by Qantas. It is hoped that the ceremony will feature a flypast by Tangalooma's Otter floatplane. That QAM should be involved in such an event in this the Year of the River is most significant. Further details are available from Jack Petersen.

The newsletter reported:

WHAT DIRECTION?: In an attempt to plan for our immediate future, a recent planning meeting discussed a number of items all of which will be discussed further at the Caloundra meeting on 6th February. Some of the more important items are as follows:

Members wishing to have their say on any of these items before they become policy should attend the meeting at Caloundra on Saturday 6th February.

COMMUNICATION: When we moved to Caloundra it was perceived that the move might adversely affect communication amongst the members. There has been much talk of regular meetings at Caloundra but for various reasons they have been anything but regular! Recently we decided on the following dates for Caloundra meetings: 06 FEB/05 MAR/02 APR/07 MAY/02 JUL/30 JUL/27 AUG/24 SEP/29 OCT/26 NOV. It is proposed that the format will be similar to the February 6th meeting already discussed:

4.00 p.m. Museum closes
4.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. Meeting in house meeting room
6.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. Barbecue on site
7.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Slide show

The dates have been chosen as being closest possible to the full moon as it tends to get a bit dark around the barbecue after sundown!! Your attendance at these meetings will help ensure that it DOES become a regular event.

DISPLAY CALENDAR: Our Display Officer, David Bussey has supplied the following list of displays to which we are committed.

All of these displays help to promote QAM and frequently result in donations of interesting memorabilia. We are always looking for members to help with staffing away-from-base displays. If you can help, please call David Bussey.

CALOUNDRA UPDATE: Sadly we must report that Jock Glassford recently suffered a stroke. Jock has been doing some excellent carpentry work in the Museum such as the workbench and the conversion of the Scout wingbox into two display cases. Get well soon Jock! Progress on "Engine Row" continues at a heartening pace. Recently the Pratt & Whitney R1830 was mounted on the "Ultimate Engine Stand" which was constructed by Vic Clarke. This has improved the appearance of the engine enormously. It is interesting to note that the R1830 was built in Australia by CAC as attested to by the brass makers plate which was recently being polished by Don Carter. Our new donation box which was constructed by Mike Adams is now doing sterling service near the entrance to the hangar. This donation box is in the shape of a hangar with a clear perspex roof. Enclosed within are a model Canberra A84-225 constructed by James Wing and a model Cessna 337 P2-ELO constructed by Cliff Robinson. The front entrance to the building is now decorated most effectively with a silk parachute while the target banner has been repositioned away from the Meteor to the southern wall where it can be seen more clearly. Work on the Drover continues with the construction of a stretcher frame. In short it's the same old progress and achievement that we have come to expect!!

SHIRLEY'S SWEAT SHOP: The front room of "Chateau Caloundra" recently took on the appearance of a Singapore sweat shop when it was turned into a tee shirt screening production line for one afternoon. As a fund-raising exercise, sixty shirts of various sizes and colours were screened with the QAM logo for sale at the Museum. The purchase of the shirts was arranged by Glad Carter. Under the supervision of Maureen Cuskelly, a very efficient team finished and packed all of the shirts in one afternoon. The screening operation was under the command of Wal Waterton who was assisted by your editor. Shirley Waterton was in charge of the dryer and iron while Simon Van Gool and new member Mark Nugent assisted with all operations. With the successful completion of this exercise, shirts are now on sale at the Museum. Sizes range from 14 to 20 and the price is $10.00 each regardless of size. Colours are white, sky blue, lavender, lemon, lime and mango. Members handling sales are requested not to open bags as this will lead to unnecessary soiling. Specimen shirts of each size will be displayed for prospective purchasers. This has been an excellent team effort. Well done everyone!

ACCESS TO AIRCRAFT: At a recent meeting at Caloundra it was agreed by all present that visitors to the Museum would not be admitted to aircraft cabins or cockpits. This is not a new policy, it has always been QAM policy that visitors should not be allowed inside aircraft. Indeed this is standard practice in most if not all other aviation museums. Since moving to Caloundra, there has been no serious attempt to prevent cockpit access mainly out of public relations considerations and the realisation that the display was probably not really ready for the public. However, all this has changed for QAM is now a most worthy museum which doesn't have to apologise to anyone. There are several reasons for not allowing public access to aircraft cockpits. Rarely do we have the manpower to ensure adequate supervision to safeguard the safety of the public and the security of the aircraft. This is particularly so in the case of the Canberra and Dove as it is virtually impossible to see what visitors are doing inside. Every time someone enters the Canberra or the Dove they bring with them salt laden sand which only exacerbates the already corrosive atmosphere inside the aircraft. In the case of the Meteor and Vampire, it has been agreed that the cockpit canopies remain closed. This is particularly important in the case of the Vampire canopy which has already inflicted injuries on one member. QAM simply cannot afford lawsuits from injured visitors! As with all rules there is a need to allow members some discretionary powers. As a general guide, if it is deemed advantageous to admit a visitor to an aircraft he should be familiar with aircraft and the gesture should result in some tangible benefit to QAM. The general rule however is - Nobody in the aircraft. We are a museum - not a playground!

The newsletter reported:

MEETING SCHEDULE: At a recent meeting it was decided that our monthly meeting schedule should be reversed. In other words, the meeting on the first Tuesday of the month will now be the social meeting and the meeting on the third Tuesday of the month will now be the business meeting. The principal reason for this change is that it is more practicable for the Treasurer to prepare a detailed financial statement for tabling later in the month than it is at the beginning of the month. As Cliff Robinson is doing such a fine job in his capacity as Treasurer, it was unanimously agreed that the change be made.

ANOTHER ENGINE: We recently took delivery of a sectioned Nene jet engine which is on loan from the Redcliffe Air Training Corps. The Nene fills a gap in what is becoming a comprehensive collection of jet engines.

The newsletter reported:

CALOUNDRA UPDATE: As usual, a visit to the Museum is rewarded with signs of progress everywhere. The Drover has been transformed from a toolshed to a very attractive display. The cabin headliner has been replaced and new carpet laid on the floor. A stretcher and intravenous drip have been installed and the freshly restored seats have been fitted to the cabin. We are grateful to member Bob Bean for doing an immaculate job of restoring these genuine Drover seats. The cockpit has been cleaned up and an instrument panel is being manufactured. Ron Wardlaw has been working in the cockpit of the Sea Venom with a view to fitting the recently acquired instrument panel. Some of the gaps in this instrument panel will be filled before long as we recently agreed to purchase a number of Sea Venom instruments and components from another museum. Included in the deal is a set of rocket rails and pylons. On the subject of deals, we are about to conclude an arrangement whereby we will swap our DC-3 propellor for a complete Wright R3350 engine from a Neptune. Now that our two showcases [formerly the Bristol Scout wing transport box] have been completed we are able to display our saleable items in a more professional manner. A number of model aircraft are also displayed in these cases. The reception desk has been moved farther from the door, an arrangement which is of great benefit during inclement weather. The metal flagpole which was on loan from the Navy Cadets has been returned in exchange for a traditional wooden flagpole which has been refurbished and is now in service in front of the Museum.

QAM's frustrations with the lack of support from the Federal Government prompted a press release which also stated QAM's claim for a Mirage.

Press Release

The newsletter reported:

CALOUNDRA UPDATE: Such is the progress being made at Caloundra that a monthly newsletter is scarcely able to keep up with it. [Don't anyone dare suggest a weekly newsletter!] The open upper half of the western wall has been completely covered with wire netting which for a time turned the hangar into an aviary as the birds started coming in through the front door! However, plastic strip curtains have been hung at all entrances and the word seems to be getting around the bird population that QAM is out of bounds. The Vampire is being repainted to remove traces of yellowed varnish and the sectioned Nene engine has been painted internally to match the colours on the nearby jet engine diagram. Work continues in the cockpit of the Sea Venom aided greatly by the arrival of more parts from Harold Thomas in Camden. Included are a full set of rocket rails and pylons and a plastic instrument panel overlay. It is expected that we will be able to assemble a Sea Venom instrument panel with very few items missing. The Dove is starting to shine like a new pin as a result of much expenditure of energy by a number of members. It is hoped that the Dove will be ready for corrosion treatment and priming in approximately three weeks. Our proposed unveiling in early June has been deferred indefinitely until the Dove is nearer completion. Our recent Royal Flying Doctor Service anniversary display was a great success and attendances increased greatly as a result of a large banner hung across Bulcock Street. This banner remains the property of QAM and it can be adapted to promote future events. With the realisation that our future expansion will be predicated upon acquiring the adjoining one hectare block, an approach was made to Council along these lines. Council requested that we submit a five year plan for the site and recent meetings have considered a number of members' submissions. At the meeting in Caloundra on 7th May, it was unanimously agreed that the plan drawn up by Mike Adams be accepted for submission to Council. This plan is reproduced elsewhere in this newsletter. Not shown fully in the plan is a proposed Stage 3 clear span building which will open on to the proposed tarmac area.

Caloundra Aerodrome was recently visited by the local hooligan population who had rented the Aero Club for a private function. Apparently they left a trail of destruction at the Aero Club and the nearby telephone booth was on the receiving end of their limited talents. As far as QAM is concerned, the only damage was sustained by the Canberra sign which was forcibly removed from the ground [the sign was recovered]. Quite clearly, QAM would have suffered greater damage had not Ken and Mike been overnighting in the house. They were able to suitably "admonish" the neanderthal offender who promptly fled! On the subject of security, we recently received a quotation for electronic alarms for the hangar. The quotation was most favourable and we expect to be implementing these precautions in the near future. Further on the subject of security, Qantas recently donated three trolley mounted CO2 fire extinguishers. The original intention was that they be restored as static display items but as usual, Qantas felt that this was not good enough and the extinguishers have been made fully serviceable! Thanks Qantas! In closing the Caloundra report, members will probably be pleasantly surprised to learn that our newly established building fund already stands at $700.00! Well done everyone.

The newsletter reported:

CALOUNDRA UPDATE: The Dove is progressing well thanks to an intensive effort by Phil Bowly. The aircraft is being progressively treated and primed and hopefully, painting can begin later in the month. We are hoping to construct a set of replica rocket projectiles to add to the rocket rails recently fitted to the Sea Venom. A refrigerator was recently acquired for the hangar with a view to selling soft drinks. These are now on sale at the Museum for 60 cents. Empty cans should be retained for resale. The sale of aluminium cans is being co-ordinated by Martin Hooper and all members are encouraged to contribute their empties to the cause. Martin can be contacted on 07/2772731 and he will be happy to collect cans where possible. Our Caloundra Treasurer, Ron Atherley, recently departed for three months employment in Papua New Guinea where he will presumably be on the lookout for aeroplanes and marsden matting! In Ron's absence, Don Carter will be attending to the books. Pleasing news from Caloundra is that the previously un-named road leading to the Museum is to be called "Pathfinder Drive" in honour of the Pathfinder Force founded by Don Bennett. We are hoping to arrange a naming ceremony later in the year. On a similar subject, our thanks go to the Pathfinder Force Association who have donated $1000.00 towards our Bomber Command corner. We are currently studying means of utilising this most generous donation to best advantage. With a view to future expansion, we have made a formal approach to Council to lease the adjoining one hectare block to the south of our current site. There can be no doubt that this will be required eventually as we are currently working towards acquiring seven aircraft! This is consuming a lot of administrative manpower at the moment and clearly not all will be successfully concluded but on the law of averages there should be some new additions to the collection before too long.

US AND THEM: Undoubtedly there are many problems facing the Museum but the one which seems to worry many members most of all is a developing "us and them" syndrome. This is not entirely unexpected and clearly stems from our self-imposed "tyranny of distance". There can be no doubt that the courageous decision to move the Museum to Caloundra has paid off handsomely. Queensland Air Museum is an achievement of which we can all be proud. However, it may be an opportune time to reflect upon the name which was chosen for this endeavour some fourteen years ago. This is the Queensland Air Museum. It is not the Brisbane Air Museum nor is it the Caloundra Air Museum. When QAM was founded, it was envisaged that it would be THE aviation museum in this State. With our only competition being a private collection in far north Queensland, it can be argued that we have achieved this objective. QAM is proudly the only community owned aviation museum in this State. However, all members must realise that there is nothing to stop others from doing what we have done. If QAM is to remain the best, we must remember that we are all working towards the same end. Members must learn to accept that others have varying degrees of family and employment obligations. In many instances it is simply not possible for some members to travel to Caloundra on a regular basis. Similarly, it is hardly a practical proposition for Caloundra members to drive down to Brisbane and back in the dark to attend a late night meeting. It must be added that some members have done just that on several occasions and one can only admire their dedication but nobody would seriously expect them to do it regularly. In our struggle to achieve our objectives we must safeguard our most valuable asset - our people. It is essential that membership of QAM is both desirable and enjoyable. Once an individual member's workload degenerates into drudgery we must be seen to have failed. There are already several classic cases of "QAM burnout" apparent and this is not healthy for QAM or the individual members concerned. Certainly there will never be enough people to do what has to be done. A policy of "do what you can when you can" would appear to be a sensible creed. We must all learn to accept that there is no shame in "drawing the line" before dedication and enthusiasm degenerate into drudgery. If the members who do work for the Museum are not happy in the service, nobody in their right mind would want to join them! While our stated objective is the preservation of Australia's aviation heritage, we must all strive to ENJOY what we are doing. While there might be times when you feel that you are the only one doing any work, there is always someone else working behind the scenes. Nevertheless, it is not unreasonable to expect some degree of commitment from all members. The extent of this commitment can only be determined by the individual member concerned. All members are urged to examine their own level of commitment to see if they could do a little more to share the workload. Above all, let's nip this "us and them" nonsense in the bud! Here endeth the lesson!

The newsletter reported:

CALOUNDRA UPDATE: Reminiscent of 2001, a gigantic monolith has appeared out of the lawn in front of the hangar. To this boulder we have affixed the plaque which was unveiled by our Patron, Ly Bennett, at the opening of the Museum. For some time we have sought an attractive means of displaying the plaque. Our friends at the Council have supplied this boulder which has provided a very elegant solution. The hangar was recently inspected by the Caloundra Fire Brigade who were satisfied with fire precautions. A set of steps has been acquired for the front of the house and these will be installed at the first opportunity. With several potential additions to the collection planned, it has become apparent that the fenced compound will not be big enough. Consequently, plans are underway to extend the fence to our rear boundary. Work on the Dove continues although weather is always a limiting factor. Recently the engine cowlings were primed with zinc chromate ready for painting. Clearly the Dove is going to be a most attractive exhibit when finished. Staffing of the Museum on opening days continues to be a problem. As we have said before, no special skills are required. All we need is someone to open the Museum, raise the flags and put the signs out [and preferably do the same in reverse at the end of the day!] As a member of the Museum, you share the responsibility of ensuring that the Museum is open on published opening days. By helping with this function you will free others to attend to restoration projects. We especially need volunteers from the Brisbane area who can visit the Museum on regular Saturdays. If you fit the bill, please call Ken Woodrow. A recent VIP visitor to the Museum was the well-known warbird restorer and pilot, Col Pay [of Spitfire and Mustang fame]. Col was reportedly impressed with the Museum and is offering to drop in with his Spitfire later in the year when he will be attending a display in the north. Senator David MacGibbon recently visited us in his immaculate Chipmunk bringing with him David Jull M.P. Another recent visitor was Prince Leonard of Hutt River Province! Such visits have highlighted the need to improve social amenities at the Museum and accordingly we hope to be able to upgrade the house to a point where it can be used for the additional purpose of entertaining important visitors and providing a pleasant meeting place for members. Coming soon to a venue near you - Caloundra's trendiest night spot - "The Navy Street Bar"!!

The commencement time of Caloundra meetings was changed from 4pm to 2pm for reasons explained in the newsletter:

CALOUNDRA MEETING: There will be a meeting at the Museum in Caloundra on Saturday 30th July at 2.00p.m. Please note the earlier commencement time which is deemed desirable because of last light and ensuing cold!! There hasn't been a lot of interest in barbecues in recent months because of chronic poor weather and colder temperatures. Members are reminded that the barbecue facility is always available so some may care to have a barbecue lunch before the meeting.

The newsletter reported:

Guest speaker at the meeting on this date will be well-known RAAF photographer, Mal Lancaster, who will give a talk and slide show. This man actually gets paid to fly in RAAF aircraft and take pictures of them!! Please show your support for guest speakers at meetings by attending in respectable numbers. The venue is the Department of Transport and Communications conference room at Brisbane Airport. The conference room is located in the administration building at the base of the control tower.

Official naming of Pathfinder Drive at Caloundra Aerodrome.

The newsletter reported:

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: The A.G.M. was held at the Museum on Saturday 20th August. Despite a very disappointing attendance, many important items of business were transacted. Our Treasurer, Cliff Robinson, presented a very professional financial report which included for the first time in our history, a proposed budget. The full report is available for inspection by any member who has not already seen it at a meeting. Please contact the Treasurer or the Editor. A significant and pleasing feature of last year's financial statement is the gate takings of $5581.60! Because of its implications for the next twelve months, the budget, which was adopted at the A.G.M., is reproduced in full overleaf. Not included is expenditure on displays, work parties and acquisitions which have been member-funded and last year came to $6500.00!

QAM BUDGET 1988-1989

Clearly these figures are intended to be taken as a guide only but they do represent a concerted attempt to ensure that we live within our means. Once again our books have been audited by Mr. Ron Butt to whom we extend our grateful thanks. Other important financial matters which were discussed at the AGM include membership subscriptions and Museum admission charges. It was unanimously agreed that membership subscriptions remain unchanged for 1989. On the subject of Museum admission charges, we have long maintained that it is financially beneficial to continue the "admission by donation" concept. However, recent moves to have QAM recognised as Queensland's official aviation museum have resulted in some pressure to adandon this concept in favour of a fixed admission charge. This will also simplify compilation of visitor attendance figures which are necessary to support our claims for recognition. Consequently, it was agreed at the A.G.M. that we adopt fixed admission charges of $2.00 for adults, 50 cents for children and $5.00 for a family for a trial period of three months. This policy will be implemented once administrative details are finalised. The main disadvantage of this policy is that we will have to staff the front desk at all times which will impact further on an already critical manpower shortage. For this reason, it has been decided that the Museum should not be opened on days other than published opening days [i.e. Wed, Sat, Sun] or as determined by the Committee. Members working at the Museum on other days are to ensure that the front door is bolted. Similarly, members conducting friends through the Museum on non-opening days are to ensure that the front door is bolted after admitting their guests. Above all, it is unacceptable at all times to have unsupervised visitors inside the hangar. All members are reminded of their obligation to observe these requirements which were democratically determined at the Annual General Meeting.

ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS: There have been several changes to the Committee for 1988/89. Most noticeable is the election of Don Carter to the position of Vice-President. Our previous V.P., Wal Waterton did not seek re-election because of a forthcoming extended holiday which will see him away from Caloundra for six months. We thank Wal for his dedication to the cause and wish Wal and Shirley an enjoyable [and well-deserved] holiday. We welcome Don Carter to the position of Vice-President and urge all members to extend to Don the co-operation and respect that the position warrants. We also welcome Don's wife, Gladys, to the position of Public Relations Officer, Caloundra, a position to which Gladys is ideally suited. The position of Restoration Assistant has been filled by Peter Horne. Peter is no stranger to aeroplanes having been an engine fitter with the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm. As a new recruit to the QAM family, Peter was somewhat reluctant to accept the position despite his credentials. Once again, all members are requested to give Peter their full co-operation. The Display function has been re-classified as Display Officer Brisbane and Display Officer Caloundra and we welcome Laurie Fox to the latter position while David Bussey continues in the former position. So if you think that a certain item in the hangar "looks better over there" please consult first with either Laurie or David. Most likely, David has already prepared a display to precisely the right dimensions to go "over there"! The full committee is as follows. (The newsletter included home telephone numbers)

Officers who are authorised to sign cheques are as follows:
Brisbane - Cliff Robinson, Dick Hitchins, Nick Sayer, David Bussey [4]
Caloundra - Don Carter, Ron Atherley, Wal Waterton [3]

The position of Honorary Auditor is presently vacant owing to the retirement of Ron Butt. If anyone knows of a qualified auditor who might be prepared to waive his fee for a good cause, please contact Cliff Robinson.

CALOUNDRA UPDATE: Our application to the Caloundra City Council to lease the one hectare block adjoining to the south has passed through Council without any objections being raised although there are still some formalities to be attended to before the lease is finalised. The Dove is still progressing albeit slowly because of the added workload of the construction of the new fence. The fence has to be extended because of the imminent arrival of the Piaggio and later the Tracker and possibly a DC-3. "Chateau Caloundra" now has a set of front steps and the meeting room has been decorated with a number of framed photographs. Operations Manager, Ken Woodrow, is currently preparing a submission for the development of "Chateau Caloundra" to incorporate some social amenities for all members. A priceless historical artifact from QAM's past recently fell off the back of a truck passing the Museum. For some six years, the QAM aircraft were located at the end of Navy Street, Brisbane Airport. Navy Street has since ceased to exist but the sign survives and may soon decorate a proposed "Navy Street Bar"! The Wright R3350 Turbo Compound engine for which we swapped a propellor was delivered on 20th August and will make a most impressive display once it is cleaned up. This engine was removed from a Neptune. On the subject of Neptunes, the Confederate Air Force in Townsville have offered to donate two Neptune jet pods [minus engines] for which we are currently seeking transport assistance. A huge display case constructed by David Bussey was recently transported to Caloundra. This case will soon house Avro 504 artifacts. We have not previously thanked Tom Telfer for constructing two superb display cases out of windows scrounged by David Bussey. One of these cases is presently in use in Bomber Command Corner and it is a most handsome unit. Thanks Tom! Members working at the Museum are requested to refrain from using chairs as stepladders. Apart from being dangerous, it is hardly proper to be spreading paint and mud on chairs which were donated by several members solely so that people could sit on them. If there are insufficient stepladders on hand, please inform a senior committee member and the necessary steps will be taken [or more likely purchased!].

The newsletter reported:

PINE GAP EAT YOUR HEART OUT!: Forthcoming weekends will see much activity devoted to moving our latest acquisition from Byron Bay. No, we haven't bought the lighthouse, but you're not far wrong! Following up on a lead received at the Museum, we are now the proud owners of a radar set and associated tower, scanner etc. Although the price was right, there will be a lot of work involved in moving the installation to Caloundra. If you can assist over the next few weeks, please call Ken Woodrow.

DC-3: Our recent attempts to acquire a DC-3 have met with frustration and disappointment. The aircraft involved was the ex-Aeroplane Car Company, ex-Chewing Gum Field VH-AEQ. Although the aeroplane had been offered to us for a favourable price, we were reluctant to rush into the purchase because of doubts about the legal ownership of the aircraft. Needless to say, in the interim, some private collector with more dollars than sense came along, bought the aeroplane, and began dismantling it for trucking to Melbourne! Thus we have missed out on this particular DC-3 on two occasions.

SABRE: As one door closes, another slams shut in your face as the saying goes. At the same time that we missed out on the DC-3, Administrative Services decided to release another Sabre. This particular Sabre, A94-909, is stored dismantled at Richmond and bids close towards the end of October. This Sabre was last heard of at Wagga, so it is likely that it has been dismantled and transported to Richmond where it will attract more "shoppers" during the Bicentennial Air Show on 12-16 October. No doubt encouraged by the $26,000.00 received for the Orchard Hills Sabre, the Department is clearly hoping to attract an even higher price for 909. Although we will be inspecting this Sabre, it doesn't look too encouraging in the current economic climate. Nevertheless, don't despair. We have been offered another Sabre for a fixed price which is achievable. Although this aeroplane has a lot of ifs and buts attached to it, we are hopeful of seeing results towards the end of the year. If you can assist with a donation, please contact Ron Cuskelly. A Sabre is ours if we can raise $10,000.00!

CALOUNDRA UPDATE: The Neptune jet pods donated by the Confederate Air Force in Townsville recently arrived at Caloundra courtesy of a 35 Squadron Caribou! Thank-you gentlemen. The Wright R-3350 turbo-compound [also ex-Neptune] has now been mounted on a stand so that preparation for display can commence. The fencing of the expanded rear compound is nearly complete thanks to a concerted effort by several members over recent weeks. Thank-you everyone. We recently purchased a number of large aircraft posters which will be offered for sale at the Museum as soon as we can make arrangements for their security. Needless to say, if stocks are damaged through mishandling, the financial viability of the whole exercise will be compromised, so please exercise extreme care. Thanks to Nick Sayer for arranging the purchase and funding it with a loan. Despite the disaster of the imported American calendars, our sales shop is slowly turning the corner. Although we have often considered printing our own calendar, it has been agreed that the financial risks are too great so we will stick to the tried and true RAAF Museum calendar for 1989. The recent donation of $1,000.00 by the Pathfinder Force Association has been swelled by a personal donation from Pathfinder member Ian Denver. Thank-you gentlemen! The Suncoast Model Flyers recently sent us a cheque for $400.00 as the QAM share of the proceeds from the Sippy Downs flying day. As attendances were down because of two postponements and other clashing events, the Suncoast Model Flyers decided to round-up the proceeds from club funds so that a "more respectable donation" could be made. Many thanks to all S.M.F. members!

TRACKER: Good news! The R.A.N. and the R.A.A.F. have agreed to carry our Tracker to Caloundra courtesy HMAS Tobruk and Chinook. [ETA Jan 89]. (Never happened. Ed.)

CHATEAU CALOUNDRA: A "Development Proposal" for the Caloundra house was accepted in principle at a recent meeting. Members wishing to have further input should contact Operations Manager, Ken Woodrow. If the proposal meets with general agreement, Ken will prepare a more detailed schedule of tasks which can be attended to as manpower permits. Thus anyone who wishes to work on the house will have a clear idea of what has to be done. The end result should be an attractive facility for the use of all members. While building approvals preclude use of the house for public displays, there is no reason why the house could not be used for small displays which could be shown to selected visiting guests. The house is also seen as a social amenity for serving refreshments to various important/influential people who may visit the Museum from time to time. Hard-working members are also entitled to some social amenities at the end of a long day. While some members may wish that the house would simply "go away", there has been too much effort expended already for us to even consider not proceeding with the development of the house. It's here to stay, so let's resolve to make something of it for the benefit of the Museum and all the members.

The newsletter reported:

CALOUNDRA UPDATE: The extended compound is now completely enclosed although we still have to add barbed wire to the top of the fence. The R-3350 and Meteor engines are now mounted on stands. Progress at the Museum has slowed somewhat in recent weeks because of several recovery projects, one planned and one unplanned. The Byron Bay radar installation became available at short notice and it was decided to proceed with the acquisition. The ensuing work parties to dismantle and transport the tower and associated radar equipment involved a lot of work and indeed several members worked twenty hours straight on one day! All the gear has now been transported safely to Caloundra and some of the electronic gear has already been installed in the front bedroom of the house with a view to replicating the actual installation as it appeared at Byron Bay. At a recent meeting it was agreed that no attempt be made to erect the tower until such time as approved drawings are available for approval by Council. For this reason and because of financial constraints, the radar tower will be going "on the back burner" for the foreseeable future while we return to our scheduled projects. It may be argued that the acquisition of the radar tower was an unnecessary diversion but one must take into account the views of those members who gave of their time to effect the recovery. Their unanimous view is that it was all worthwhile! Certainly it is hard to dispute this with someone who has voluntarily given a twenty hour day to the Museum. Well done everyone! We hope to be presenting a full account of the recovery in a future newsletter. The second recovery project is of course the Piaggio. By the time this newsletter is mailed, the Pig should be on site at Caloundra thanks to the assistance of Austral Mining and Brisbane Bottle Exchange who loaned their trucks for the exercise. We extend a special get well message to Nick Sayer who suffered two broken fingers during the removal of one of the wings. The current plan for the Piaggio is to reassemble it at Caloundra, place it on concrete pads, tie it down securely, drown it in oil and leave it alone until other projects are completed. The most urgent of these projects is the Dove which is now many months behind schedule, not through the fault of anyone in particular, but because there is simply too much work for too few workers. Our trial of fixed admission charges seems to be quite successful. The recent "Caloundra on Show" promotion brought gate takings of $288.00 for one day! On the subject of gate takings, it was recently decided that ten percent of all gate takings plus the receipts from the donation box will be transferred to the building fund. We are currently preparing a design for a standard display cabinet. In recognition of the need to preserve items such as leather, fabric etc. we are looking at the feasibility of air conditioning a number of cabinets with a single domestic air conditioning unit. To this end we would appreciate the advice of a refrigeration/air conditioning engineer if we have one amongst our readership. If anyone can assist, please call Ken Woodrow. We also have a need for a 1 h.p. geared electric motor which will be used ultimately to rotate the radar scanner. If you can assist, please call Ken.

The newsletter reported:

BUILDING FUND: It is most pleasing to report that QAM enters the new year with a very respectable building fund. This is a result of an extremely generous donation of $10,000.00! The donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, has stipulated that the money should go into the building fund. The wisdom of this stipulation lies in the fact that it eliminates any temptation to squander the money on aeroplanes! The money has already been invested in a high interest bearing account. With a respectable building fund behind us we can confidently enter a new era of fundraising. In the hope that our benefactor reads this newsletter we all offer our heartfelt thanks. Hopefully your generosity will be rewarded in the not too distant future.

QUESTION: What do the following QAM members have in common: Mike Adams, Lenn Bayliss, James Wing, Ron and Maureen Cuskelly? Answer: They have all flown in the next aeroplane to join the QAM collection. In a display of remarkable generosity, Norfolk Airlines have agreed to donate their recently retired Beechcraft Super King Air 200 VH-IBC! Not often do museums get an opportunity to acquire a modern type which is still in production. Indeed, QAM will probably be the first museum in the world to have a Beech 200. At the time of its retirement in March 1988, VH-IBC had flown more hours than any other Super King Air in the world, an achievement which has featured in Beechcraft advertising. It could be argued that it was Norfolk Airlines' successful utilisation of VH-IBC that brought home to Beechcraft the reality that their new executive aircraft was indeed a very fine airliner. The premature retirement of VH-IBC is a result of its high hours and internal structural damage which combine to render the aeroplane beyond economical repair. Since her retirement, IBC has been used as a source of parts and indeed this process might have resulted in the eventual scrapping of the airframe had it not been for the intervention of Norfolk's Operations Manager, Randall McFarlane who convinced the airline management that this historic aeroplane should be preserved. As a result, Norfolk Airlines have resolved to have the aircraft restored to the extent that it will appear externally to be a serviceable aeroplane. Included in the restoration will be engines and propellors [albeit time expired]. One condition attached to the donation is that the aeroplane should have first priority for undercover display space and indeed we wouldn't have it any other way. We have already had discussions with Brambles who have indicated their interest in assisting us to transport the aircraft from Brisbane Airport to Caloundra once restoration is complete. It is most appropriate that QAM should acquire this aircraft as it is believed to have shared hangar space at Archerfield with the QAM Meteor WD647. The Meteor had just been delivered to QAM and VH-IBC was undergoing pre-delivery checks. While we leave the afore-mentioned members to contemplate their advancing years, we applaud Norfolk Airlines for having the foresight and resolve to secure the preservation of this beautiful aeroplane. Thank-you Norfolk Airlines! (Norfolk Airlines management must have had second thoughts as VH-IBC was ultimately sold for parts in PNG. Norfolk Island Airlines ran into financial difficulties and ceased operations on 01MAR91. This might explain the change of heart with VH-IBC. Ed.)

SABRE: Towards the end of 1988 it was looking like QAM would be receiving a Sabre for Christmas! Although our tender for Sabre A94-909 at Richmond had not been accepted, the successful purchaser offered the aeroplane to QAM for an agreeable price. It will be recalled that QAM had previously agreed to purchase an ex-Indonesian CAC Sabre from Lang Kidby at Redcliffe and indeed it transpired that Mr. Kidby was the successful purchaser of A94-909. Lang offered 909 to QAM in lieu of an Indonesian aeroplane at the same price but with earlier delivery. This offer was accepted although it was subsequently withdrawn by Lang when he found 909 to be deficient several significant components which were present when the Sabre was first inspected at Richmond. Until this matter is resolved, the situation is this. QAM will be receiving either an Indonesian aircraft or A94-909 if the missing components turn up. The agreed price for either is $10,000.00 and delivery date is early 1989. It is proposed to fund the purchase of the Sabre with Museum funds and loans from members [predominantly the latter!]. If you can make a contribution to the Sabre fund it will be most welcome. Please contact Ron Cuskelly or leave a briefcase full of money on the reception desk at the Museum!

MORE AEROPLANES!: Now to the biggie! As a direct result of having the Meteor stored at the International Terminal for many months, QAM was recently contacted by an airline captain (Mike Holtby, Singapore Airlines. Ed.) who was alarmed to learn that a small collection of four significant aircraft was about to be scrapped. The aircraft involved are a DC-3, Meteor, Hunter and Sea Vixen. It transpired that the four aircraft had been put up for tender and subsequently sold to a scrap merchant who was about to ply his trade. Urgent inquiries revealed that the aircraft were available for sale although the asking price for the DC-3 was about the same as for the three jet aircraft combined. Because of size and cost considerations, the DC-3 was rejected and we began to look seriously at the other three aircraft for which the asking price was not much more than we have come to expect for a single similar type of aircraft. For this price the scrap dealer agreed to "throw in" the DC-3 propellers. At the January business meeting, it was unanimously agreed that the three aircraft should be purchased at the asking price on the condition that we are able to leave the aircraft in situ pending transportation arrangements. At the time of writing, no definite action has been taken although it is quite likely that by the time this newsletter reaches you QAM will be the proud owners of three more aeroplanes! If you are having palpitations at the thought of [a] paying for and [b] transporting three "largeish" aeroplanes, do not read the following. They are located in Singapore! Well actually not Singapore but rather Sentosa which is an island off the coast of Singapore. Quite obviously this is going to be a monumental undertaking but we already have several volunteers who are prepared to go to Singapore in their own time to save these aeroplanes. Naturally we plan to maximise the publicity potential of such an operation with an all out campaign to attract sponsors. Because of the urgency of securing a stay of execution on the three aircraft, we plan to fund the purchase initially with a bank loan, the availability of which has been confirmed. Having bought some time, we will then try to attract sponsorship. It is obvious that the aircraft must be dismantled for shipping back to Australia. Despite the remoteness of Singapore we can at least console ourselves that it is probably the best place in the world to be looking for ships. Further discussion is pointless until such time as the purchase is finalised, but it might be appropriate to ask for volunteers to assist with the Sentosa Rescue Mission. If you want to help but can't go to Singapore, please remember that some of the members who usually staff the Museum probably will go to Singapore in which case we will be desperately short of members to keep the Museum open. If you can give one Saturday or Sunday a year [or more preferably each month] it will be most appreciated. Please contact Ken Woodrow on 07/2684512 to volunteer to keep your Museum open.

CALOUNDRA UPDATE: The good news from Caloundra is that the house has been approved. Now that the structural modifications have been completed we can turn our hands to beautification! The Wright R-3350 engine is now a most attractive display after receiving much cosmetic attention. Referring to the report on the radar tower in the December newsletter - for "back burner" please read "front burner". Thanks to the efforts of Phil Bowly, approved plans are now available and much preparation has been done at the "right price" to the extent where the radar tower can go ahead without impacting unduly on other projects. The replica radar room in the house is a very interesting display. Cliff Robinson has done a lot of work on designing a general purpose display cabinet in consultation with expert conservators from the Queensland Museum. The design has been passed to member Tom Telfer for refining and construction of a "prototype" which will be funded by the grant from the Pathfinder Force Association. This cabinet will then become our Bomber Command display. As time and funds permit, further cabinets will be constructed to the same design. Initial plans to air condition the cabinets have been abandoned in favour of desiccants on advice from the Queensland Museum.

The newsletter reported:

SENTOSA RESCUE MISSION: So much has happened since the "Sentosa Rescue Mission" was first announced in last month's newsletter. As foreshadowed last month, we are now the proud owners of the three "Sentosa Orphans" having purchased them from the Aik Hong Hardware Company for AU$15,000.00. The purchase has been funded by a bank loan borrowed against the building fund reserves. It is hoped that this will be offset through sponsorships. Even so, a respectable amount has already been set aside for the first few instalments and it is anticipated that projected Museum gate takings will cover future payments. There can be no denying that this is the most ambitious and courageous project to be undertaken by the Museum. Already many members have rallied to the cause and an intensive campaign for sponsorships is now underway. The project has been given a massive boost by QANTAS who have generously agreed to sponsor air travel to Singapore and return for six QAM members. Thank you QANTAS! When we first committed ourselves to the project we were involved in discussions with one of the shipping lines who were making encouraging noises. Unfortunately, this company is now unable to assist us with anything other than a purely commercial transaction although talks are still continuing with other shipping companies. Our current lack of a shipping sponsor is certainly a major obstacle but the project will definitely proceed regardless. From the outset, time has not been on our side and indeed we are required to remove the aircraft from Sentosa Island before the end of March. To this end, a party of six QAM members will be leaving for Singapore on 3rd March to prepare the aeroplanes for shipping. They are expecting to be in Singapore until the end of March. If a shipping sponsor has not come forward by this time we will be looking at storing the aircraft in Singapore until such time as shipping can be arranged.

THE QAM TEAM IS NAMED: The QAM team for the Sentosa Rescue Mission will comprise the following volunteers: Mike Adams, Phil Bowly, Ian Collins, Cliff Robinson, Nick Sayer and Ken Woodrow. For Ian Collins this is a case of being "thrown in at the deep end" for he has been with us for only a few weeks. Ian is no stranger to aviation museums having worked at Duxford in the U.K. During a recent fencing party at Caloundra, Ian proceeded to wear out several cement mixers so he is a particularly welcome addition to the team. All members of the team have volunteered to pay their own expenses for which they are to be thanked. Thanks to some excellent PR work by James Wing and John Bencke, most of our readers will have seen photos of the three aircraft in the local press.

SENTOSA CONTINUED: It will have been obvious to anyone who has seen a photo of our Sea Vixen that apart from being very big it is also missing a cockpit canopy. Thanks to British Aerospace, a replacement canopy has been located in the U.K. and we are currently making arrangements to have it shipped to the Museum. It is hoped that as the project gains momentum, similar offers of assistance from other companies will be forthcoming. Bruce Potts, editor of "Flightpath" magazine has indicated interest in covering the event and we are presently negotiating with a television station who wish to send a crew to Singapore. [Incidentally, it may not be widely appreciated that "Flightpath" magazine is produced in Brisbane. Apart from some heavy QAM content, the magazine also features much warbird/restoration news and is highly recommended]. The Sentosa team will be taking with them three Troltip lifting bags which were supplied by the manufacturer at a very favourable price. Thanks Troltip! Certainly this is a monumental undertaking which has already caused many sleepless nights, but the team derives much encouragement from knowing that the members are united behind them. As this will be the last newsletter before the team departs*, we wish them a safe and rewarding trip. *[Friday 3rd March, flight QF51 departing at 2.10 p.m.]

The Sentosa Rescue Mission

BEECH 200 - MAYBE - MAYBE NOT: Although we had been advised that Beech Super Kingair 200 VH-IBC would be donated to QAM, it now appears that its preservation is no longer assured. We believe that a potential buyer has indicated interest in the aeroplane and it seems likely that the aircraft will be broken up for parts after all. Pity!

TRACKER: Unfortunately the Tracker was not delivered in January as hoped. A number of factors conspired to prevent everything coming together in what was a very complex operation. There is a possibility that the operation can be repeated in July. It has emerged that we cannot expect to ready the Tracker for shipping by remote control so we will be needing several members to go to Sydney before July to carry out some non-technical rectification work such as cleaning, inflating tyres and securing loose panels etc. Volunteers please contact Ron Cuskelly. See JUL89.

OTHER NEWS: The Museum is now a member of the Airtourer Association, a group made up of Victa Airtourer owners and enthusiasts. As QAM is an owner, it seemed only appropriate that we should join. Already there have been offers of assistance towards completing our aircraft. Hopefully it might provide some stimulus for restoring a very significant aeroplane. Thanks to James Wing for arranging our membership and donating the membership fee. As a result of a recent news item on ABC radio, the Museum has been offered free of charge a sixty foot by seventy foot demountable hangar which is currently sited at Tweed Heads. If it is true that it "never rains but it pours", then welcome to QAM's monsoon season! While the building is eminently suitable and most desirable, demounting costs alone are estimated at $10,000.00. We have had encouraging talks with one of the service clubs with a view to having the building dismantled and transported to Caloundra. Our good friends at QANTAS have recently donated a fully restored set of mobile aircraft stairs of 1960's vintage. The vehicle has been repainted in 707 era livery and will make a most attractive display item until such time as our Boeing 707 arrives! It is envisaged that the stairs will be utilised as a dais cum photographic platform inside the hangar. Space has already been allocated for this purpose. The radar room in the house is developing into a very interesting display. Great care has been taken to replicate the installation as it appeared at Byron Bay and indeed the room has an air of authenticity about it.

The newsletter reported:

SENTOSA RESCUE MISSION: Although the operation is far from complete, the members who made up the "Sentosa Rescue Mission" have returned safely to Australia having covered themselves and the Museum in glory! Although progress reports from Singapore had not been too encouraging, some superhuman efforts at the eleventh hour brought complete success. Such was the extent of this outstanding achievement that all QAM members can feel proud to be associated with the venture. The six members who comprised the "Sentosa Rescue Mission" have already been awarded a special campaign medal, the "Sentosa Star". While this decoration may have had somewhat flippant origins, it is now a badge of honour which the Sentosa veterans can, and will, wear with pride. To Mike Adams, Phil Bowly, Ian "Kiwi" Collins, Cliff Robinson, Nick Sayer and Ken Woodrow we offer our sincere congratulations and heartfelt thanks. Similarly, we thank QAM's "High Commissioner to Singapore", John Ho, who was responsible for placing the aeroplanes on Sentosa in the first place. As the following narrative will clearly demonstrate, John was crucial to the success of the operation. We are therefore especially pleased to have John as a member. In any study of the "Sentosa Rescue Mission" it must be remembered that time was against us from the outset. The Bicentennial year was in its last throes when we first got to hear about the "Sentosa Orphans" [it's all your fault Mike Holtby] and yet, within the space of three months we have acquired and transported three aeroplanes. Obviously we would have preferred to have sent an advance party to Sentosa to study the feasibility of the operation, but time constraints mitigated against such a luxury. In short, we had to "take a punt". The unanimous view of the six members who have just returned from Sentosa is that if they had comprised such an advance party they would have recommended that the "Sentosa Rescue Mission" was impossible! When the aircraft were placed on Sentosa, it was accomplished by an army of sixty men with a budget of $50,000.00 and no restrictions on removing trees and signposts. Having been "thrown in at the deep end" and having acknowledged that the task was impossible, the intrepid QAM volunteers resolved to do it anyway!

SENTOSA UPDATE: The situation at the time of writing is this. The Hunter is packed into two shipping containers which should be leaving Singapore any day now. Packed with the Hunter are many smaller components from the other two aircraft plus the DC-3 props. The Sea Vixen and the Meteor are sitting forlornly on the dock at Singapore awaiting affordable shipping. Until recently, quotes for shipping these two aeroplanes were in the vicinity of US$40,000.00 but thanks to some hard bargaining by John Ho, recent quotes have been more encouraging. Nevertheless, if the Meteor and Sea Vixen are to come to Australia, corporate sponsorships will be vital. To this end we are actively pursuing several possible sponsors. We have already committed ourselves to shipping the two containers at an estimated cost of US$6,000.00. Hopefully, once we have our "bird in the hand", it will help to stimulate some interest in saving the "two in the bush". Our Sentosa veterans report that the condition of the three aeroplanes justifies the trouble and expense of getting them here. Once they are here, QAM will have the only two Meteors in Queensland, the only Hunter in Australia and the only Sea Vixen in the southern hemisphere.

CALOUNDRA UPDATE: Qantas recently donated a set of Hastings Deering mobile aircraft stairs which have been refurbished in period Qantas livery. The stairs were last used by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during her visit for the Commonwealth Games. It is unfortunate that the stairs occupy so much space in the hangar but they would deteriorate too rapidly if stored outdoors. They do however make an excellent viewing platform and the collection looks most impressive from above. Another recent donation is a historically significant demountable building from Archerfield! Although too small for displaying aircraft, the building will make a superb workshop. It should be relocated to Caloundra within the next few days. Although its pedigree is unknown at present, it is understood to be one of the oldest buildings at Archerfield. A recent restoration has left the building in excellent condition according to an inspection by a builder. If we can research the ancestry of the building it may evolve into an historic exhibit in its own right. With a large percentage of our workforce overseas for a month, several members have been required to do extra duty to keep the Museum open. Thanks to everyone who assisted in this regard. With the imminent arrival of three new aircraft, plans are already afoot to extend the fence, yet again! In an effort to conserve floor space, we are currently studying the feasibility of mounting the Bristol Scout replica on a stand within the building. To lighten the aircraft we may have to remove the Volkswagen engine and replace it with a wooden mockup of a rotary engine. As the Volkswagen engine has been specially modified for aviation use, it is of considerable value. Some consideration has been given to selling this engine to raise funds although we will have to consult the donors before disposal is permissible. There is no word yet on the Norfolk Airlines Super King Air although it is now considered unlikely to proceed. This would be a most unfortunate development as the Museum, acting in good faith, has already expended much effort and some expense to secure the preservation of this aeroplane. Latest word on our Sabre is that the aircraft should arrive from Indonesia soon. On the subject of the Tracker, the Navy is hoping to embark the aircraft on HMAS Tobruk during July.

The newsletter reported:

SENTOSA UPDATE: There have been a number of developments since the Sentosa Diary was published in the previous newsletter. The two containers with the Hunter and smaller components from the Sea Vixen and Meteor are now at Caloundra where they arrived on Wednesday 7th June. One of the local operators has agreed to assist with painting the Hunter and paint has already been donated for this purpose. Full details of this operation will be published in a later newsletter. The prospects of recovering the Meteor and Sea Vixen are now looking more encouraging. A shipping company which is about to inaugurate a new service from Singapore to Townsville has agreed to carry both aircraft free of charge. This means that we will be faced with moving the aircraft from Townsville to Brisbane, but at least they are closer to home and the price is right! If all goes according to plan, the aircraft should be leaving Singapore on 23rd June. As the expenses associated with the recovery begin to accumulate, some members may be inclined to think that the money would have been better spent on a building. While there may be some validity to this, it brings us back to a "chicken or the egg" argument which prevailed when we first started the Museum 15 years ago. This argument was effectively resolved along the lines that paying customers don't come to see buildings, they come to see aeroplanes. In the "Sentosa Orphans" we have two aeroplanes which are unique in Australia and one which is unique in Queensland. Certainly these aeroplanes will eventually need a building, but if we wait for the building it will be too late for the aeroplanes. It's as simple as that. Another less tangible but equally important consideration is the question of morale. For a small group like QAM to be able to recover three large aeroplanes from overseas is no mean achievement. It has served to foster a spirit of "can do" amongst our volunteer workers and this is of inestimable value in counteracting the negative forces emanating from Canberra. SNIPPETS: Singapore Airlines Captain Mike Holtby recently visited Brisbane and delivered two instrument panels and a gunsight from a Hunter. It will be recalled that Mike was responsible for making us aware of the "Sentosa Orphans" in the first place. Thanks Mike! [we think]. British Aerospace have agreed to donate a Sea Vixen canopy which will be flown out from Manchester courtesy of Qantas.

ROY WILLETT: It is with great sadness that we record the death of member, Roy Willett. Roy was a QAM member from the very early days although in recent years his health prevented him from becoming as actively involved as he would have liked. As is the case with all members who are no longer with us, QAM survives as a memorial to Roy. We extend our sincerest condolences to Roy's family.

MUSEUM NEWS: With all the excitement over Sentosa, we nearly forgot about our fifteenth birthday which fell on 2nd June. Fortunately, the significance of the event had not escaped the attention of Dick Hitchins and a small ceremony was held at the Museum. Honoured guest was Air Commodore Bruce Searle, OC RAAF Amberley. Very fruitful discussions took place and we are hopeful of a mutually beneficial relationship in the future. The Bristol Scout replica is now airborne [sort of] thanks to a support stand constructed by Vic Clarke. This arrangement utilises previously wasted space in the roof while freeing some floor space. The aeroplane's appearance is further enhanced by a replica rotary engine built by Laurie Fox. The Volkswagen engine is now displayed on "engine row". Treasurer, Cliff Robinson asks that members requiring receipts for donations should contact him without delay. For the benefit of newer members, it is permissible to claim expenses incurred during Museum activities as taxation deductions if the member concerned chooses to donate said expenses to the Museum. Quite often we find that members will buy small items and not claim reimbursement because it is too much trouble. If you have receipts to support such expenses, Cliff will supply you with a donation receipt for tax purposes, but please see him before the end of the financial year.

LATE NEWS: Although HMAS Tobruk is sailing north from Sydney in early July, our Tracker will not be on board because Tobruk will not be calling into Brisbane. The next available opportunity will be early November. Ah well, beggars can't be choosers!

SENTOSA UPDATE: As we go to press, the Meteor and the Sea Vixen should be arriving in Townsville! Thanks to Carpentaria International, the aircraft were shipped from Singapore on the "M.V. San Juan" which was due to dock in Townsville on Monday 10 July. The current plan is for the aircraft to remain on the wharf until 31 July when they will depart for Brisbane on John Burke's "M.V. Sid McGrath". After their arrival in the Port of Brisbane they will be trucked to Caloundra by Brambles. Thanks to some hard bargaining by new member, John Robinson, and the generosity of Carpentaria International, John Burke Shipping and Brambles, the cost of this operation will be approximately half what was envisaged. In recent months, John Robinson has demonstrated a particular talent for negotiations of this type. No-one has yet seen him in action but hopefully he may be persuaded to conduct a training seminar for the benefit of other members! Seriously though, John has devoted a lot of time to minimising the cost to the Museum of this operation and his efforts are much appreciated. If all goes according to plan, we should have all three of the "Sentosa Orphans" at Caloundra before the Annual General Meeting on 19 August. This now gives everyone an excellent excuse to come to the A.G.M.!

ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST!: The recent auction by the Gold Coast War Museum marked the end of yet another private collection. The auction was attended by David Bussey and James Wing. Good news, or bad news depending on your point of view, is that we didn't buy anything! At least 200 people attended with television coverage by three channels. Although several items were of interest, all attracted prices beyond what we considered to be their worth. For example: Sabre $9,250; sawn-off Vampire $2,300; dead Sea Venom $1,550; Vampire ejector seat $1,200 and B-17 belly turret $4,900!

PHANTOM PHURPHY?: No doubt some members will be puzzled by a report in the latest "Australian Aviation" to the effect that QAM is about to take delivery of an F-4 Phantom from the United States! This report, which certainly did not emanate from QAM, would have to be termed extremely premature. The facts are that we have applied to the United States Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base for accreditation as an approved borrower of U.S. Government property. In our application we indicated interest in a Phantom. Although we have nothing definite yet, indications are that the approval to borrow may be forthcoming. However, it must be remembered that the borrower is responsible for all transportation costs so there is no certainty of acquiring anything from this source. Even if the approval is not granted, it is significant that a country like the United States should be prepared to even consider making aircraft available to an Australian museum while our own Government has no similar policy!

SNIPPETS: The building which was acquired from Archerfield was recently transported to Caloundra courtesy of Thiess Brothers. The de Havilland Dove is now resplendent in Mandated Airlines markings thanks to Wal Waterton. We will be trying to arrange a reunion of the pilots who flew the aircraft in PNG during the early fifties. The Hunter is currently being prepared for painting at Caloundra. This process will be assisted greatly by a donation of $500.00 from Hunter Brothers.

THEY'RE HERE!: The three "Sentosa Orphans" have now been reunited at their new home in Caloundra! The Meteor and Sea Vixen arrived from Townsville on Friday 4th August on board John Burke Shipping's "Sid McGrath". As the ship sailed past Caloundra, it was joined in formation by several dolphins and a Cessna 172 piloted by John Robinson! The following day, the aircraft were offloaded on to trailers by our good friends at Brambles. The convoy left for Caloundra at 4.00 a.m. on Monday 7th August and arrived at the Museum at approximately 6.40 a.m. Although the aircraft have suffered some minor bumps and bruises, this is to be expected considering that they have been picked up and put down at least nine times! Certainly the small amount of damage is nothing that can't be rectified. While the arrival did receive some news coverage, it is frustrating that the media have apparently failed to grasp the magnitude of the achievement.

WHERE TO FROM HERE?: While restoration work on the Hunter proceeds, the Sea Vixen and Meteor will be re-assembled immediately and made presentable so that we can arrange an unveiling ceremony as soon as possible to enable us to record our appreciation to our sponsors. It would be nice to have all three aircraft cosmetically restored for the event but it is considered more important to acknowledge our sponsors while the arrival publicity is still fresh in the mind of the public. Certainly, with the manpower available to us, any restoration activity is going to be a protracted affair anyway. The cost of the "Sentosa Rescue Mission" is of concern to all of us, but we are fortunate to have the services of a business-minded treasurer who has kept a firm grip on expenses. We are not going to insult Cliff Robinson by calling him the "world's greatest treasurer", but members can rest assured that financial matters are in good hands. Without including any restoration expenses, the bottom line is something in the order of $36,000.00. To put this in perspective, one has to divide it by three and one arrives at a cost of $12,000.00 per aeroplane which is about the going rate for aircraft in similar condition in Australia. This of course assumes that we are able to buy aircraft in Australia and does not allow for transportation costs within Australia. Given that two of these aircraft are unique in Australia, it hasn't been a bad deal by any means and the operation has gained us much favourable publicity as well.

SENTOSA CELEBRATION: We have planned a series of work parties to re-assemble the Sentosa aircraft. The dates are: 12-13 August [weekend] 16 August [Wednesday - Show Day in Brisbane] 19-20 August [weekend - encompasses A.G.M.] The work party on Saturday 12th August will culminate in a Sentosa celebration barbecue/party to which everyone is invited. Usual QAM catering arrangements apply i.e. BYOE [bring-your-own-everything]. Work parties are being co-ordinated by Ken Woodrow on (07)2684512.

NOT ANOTHER TWIN-BOOMER!: We are in the final stages of arranging to take delivery of a single-seat Vampire. Tentative work party dates are:
2-3 September to dismantle
9-10 September to transport/re-assemble
If you can assist, please contact Ken Woodrow. With the delivery of this aeroplane we will have a de Havilland line-up which is probably unique outside the U.K. i.e. Vampire Fighter, Vampire Trainer, Sea Venom and Sea Vixen [not to mention the other de Havilland types].

CALOUNDRA NEWS: The question of ground running engines has come up once again. While it is a most noble aspiration to be encouraged in the long term, enquiries with our insurance brokers have revealed a veritable minefield of legal problems in the event of mishaps. Accordingly, for the time being at least, ground running of engines is not approved.

AVIATION MUSEUMS CONFERENCE: There will be an Aviation Museums Conference in Sydney on November 1-3 at the NSW State Library. We were hoping to send out a brochure with this newsletter but supplies have yet to arrive. Therefore brochures will be mailed with the September newsletter. If you need information before then, please contact Ron Cuskelly. From the published program it promises to be a most rewarding experience for those who are able to attend. QAM is a minor sponsor of the event and our name will appear on the brochure along with such luminaries as the National Air and Space Museum, Washington. Certainly QAM will be represented at the event which will hopefully bring museums closer together and foster a much-needed spirit of co-operation. For the information of members, the QAM sponsorship extends to a $100.00 donation contributed for that specific purpose by two QAM members plus assistance with arranging air travel for the principal guest speaker, Mr Robert Mikesh of NASM.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: With many of our "leading lights" unable to attend the AGM on 19 August, it was feared that we may have had difficulty forming a quorum. It is most pleasing to report that twenty members turned up and a very successful meeting ensued. Some members would be aware that our long-serving Founding President, Dick Hitchins, had expressed a wish to stand down this year so that he could devote more time to his new business. Dick also expressed a wish that your editor accept nomination for President. As I indicated at the AGM, I was honoured to accept that nomination. Those members present at the AGM will recall that tribute was paid to Dick's fifteen years of service to the Museum. Many may have felt that Dick's contribution has been so outstanding that a special presentation might have been in order. However, this would have been most inappropriate as Dick is certainly not retiring from the Museum and there is no suggestion that he is being paid off. It is expected that Dick will continue to be actively involved in the running of the Museum in his new capacity of Past President. While we happily place on record our sincere appreciation of Dick's dedication over the years, the gold watch will have to wait!

MORE ON THE AGM: (Who's he calling a moron?) Members will be pleased to learn that membership fees are essentially unchanged for 1990. Full membership will be $20.00, while the category for juniors/full-time students has been expanded to include pensioners although the fee increases from $7.50 to $10.00. Naturally, we should not discourage anyone who desires to pay a higher level of membership than that to which they are entitled! This increase is determined mainly by increased postal charges. A significant change to our schedule of membership fees is the long-overdue addition of a Family category whereby full financial members can enroll other family members for an additional $5.00. Under this category, additional members must be family members resident at the same address. Although they will have full voting rights, they will not receive a newsletter. The concept of fixed admission charges (in lieu of admission by donation) has been judged to be a success. Accordingly, our current level of charges will remain in force for 1990. (Adults $2.00, Children 50 cents, Families $5.00). A proposed reduction for pensioners was rejected, although it was agreed that members on gate duty are authorised to use their discretion in cases of genuine hardship.

This year sees the return of Phil Bowly to the position of Restoration Assistant while the position of Committeeman has been retitled Project Officer. This position was created to give recognition and a title to those members who are actively involved in various Museum projects. Mick Hinsby and John Bencke were both elected as Project Officers at the Business Meeting on 19 September owing to oversight at the AGM. Other newcomers to the Committee are Ian Collins and John Robinson. Both of these gentlemen have performed sterling service in the short time they have been with the Museum. Within weeks of joining, Ian was off to Sentosa while John threw himself into successfully arranging shipping for the Meteor and Sea Vixen. This latter contribution earned for John an honorary "Sentosa Star" which was presented with due ceremony at the AGM. To all members who held office last year and to all members who have taken on responsibilities this year - a big thank-you!

TREASURER'S REPORT: The following is the full text of the Treasurer's Report which was delivered at the 1989 AGM by Cliff Robinson:

"The accounts this year reveal great cause for satisfaction. This is no accident - it represents the direct result of committed service by a great number of members. I instance the following. Gate Takings: Standing at $8 210.00 this represents a 64% increase over last year and is some 37% greater than our tentative budget estimates. This directly reflects the effort put into keeping the doors open and looking after visitors. This work falls heavily on the Caloundra members and some of the Brisbane troops...thank you. Trading: Taking the stock value into account, this has given a profit of some $1 300.00 which is 84% better than budget estimate. This is a tribute to Don Carter's business sense. We can move only slowly to expand this area due to the lack of spare cash for stock. Donations: Once again the commitment of members to taking up opportunities as they are offered has meant that remarkable amounts have been given to the Museum. Notable among these are the $10 000.00 to the building fund and $21 000.00 towards the Sentosa rescue. We are very grateful for these large gifts, but are also very conscious of the ongoing donations of work party expenses and other smaller items purchased for the Museum, that are the everyday part of Museum operations. I must address also the important matter of our loan commitment. No doubt some members are concerned with the loan which the Museum entered into to fund the Sentosa purchase. Now the size of the loan was governed by the needs of the moment, but was not made without thought of our ability to repay. In fact this was directly related to the gate takings which are the only reasonably predictable income amounts which we had to work with. Subsequently we have received private interest free loans with flexible repayment requirements to finalize the Sentosa expedition. These loan commitments are large in historical terms for this Museum but represent only 20% of our accumulated asset value. The repayments are within our capabilities and represent only a normal debt load in business terms. We do not have a lot of free cash, but that only means that we require careful management. That is nothing new. The loan was taken over a 5 year period and while the current interest rate of 21% is unpleasant, repayments are being made at a rate in excess of the requirement. Administration: In the last 2 years, the complexity of Museum operations has multiplied severalfold. It may well be that we need to look for a better qualified treasurer soon. I wish to record my thanks for the sterling work done at Caloundra by Ron Atherley which relieves a great part of the load. Thank you all, we look forward to an exciting year."

Elections were held on this date:

QAM's purchase of the Austral Mining Dodge truck was reported as follows:

POETIC JUSTICE: From day one, QAM has depended heavily upon the generosity of Keith Carmody and Austral Mining for the loan of their Dodge truck and crane. Photographs of practically every major work party/recovery trip in our fifteen year history prominently feature the Austral truck. Indeed, most of these recoveries would have been impossible without it! Therefore, members should be pleased to learn that this vehicle which is such an integral part of our history is now QAM property! A recent request to borrow the truck from the new owners of Austral Mining brought the news that the truck was no longer registered and indeed was being advertised for sale that weekend. It was established that several organisations had expressed interest in acquiring the truck for the hydraulic crane alone for which one prospective buyer had offered $1,800.00. Faced with a fait accompli, the decision was taken to purchase the truck and we were successful in acquiring it for $1,500.00 which must be regarded as a bargain. Thanks to Dick Hitchins, a deposit was paid and a permit obtained to ferry the truck to Caloundra. The purchase price has subsequently been paid in full. Although there have been suggestions of confining the truck to Museum property, it now emerges that it may be within our financial resources to have it registered. Certainly the truck is a vital piece of equipment which would be grossly under utilised if restricted to the site. If this were the case we would have to look at hiring another truck anyway so the intention is that the truck will be registered. Already we have had offers of assistance from the Caloundra motor trade. These offers include mechanical work and the donation of a "new" engine! So QAM now has a truck. Isn't that how TNT started?

QAM entered into an arrangement with City & Country Helicopters Pty Ltd of Caloundra to store their spare components in return for which we will be left with enough parts to complete a static Hiller helicopter. Predominant section is from ZK-HCQ. Fitted with a boom which carries VH-FFT [stbd] & VH-FFE [port].

Members were invited to submit suggestions for a QAM flag.

The newsletter reported on a small ceremony to unveil the Sentosa aircraft to sponsors and supporters:

SENTOSA CEREMONY: Our unveiling ceremony on 18 November has been judged a great success. This was largely a result of some herculean efforts put in by the Caloundra troops. In particular, we need to thank Peter Horne who worked on the three "Sentosa Orphans" for 18 consecutive days! In our desire to "show off" the aeroplanes to our sponsors before Christmas, we had warned them not to expect too much in the way of restoration. We needn't have bothered! On the big day, all three aircraft were looking most attractive lined up beside the Canberra. Although the Hunter was still devoid of paint, the Sea Vixen and Meteor were completely reassembled and both had most of their markings replaced. Much of the transit damage to the Meteor was repaired by Peter Horne. The three aircraft were unveiled by representatives of our three principal sponsors, Qantas, Carpentaria International and John Burke Shipping. Plaques recording sponsors' names were fixed temporarily to the aircraft for the ceremony. At a later date, these plaques will be displayed adjacent to the aircraft. Special guests at the ceremony were The Honourable Mike Ahern and Alderman Selwyn Carberry, Deputy Mayor of Caloundra. Although there is still a lot of restoration to be done, the "Sentosa Rescue Mission" has now effectively drawn to a close, almost exactly one year after it all began. Once again we thank the Sentosa team who achieved the impossible, the sponsors who funded the impossible, and the Caloundra workers who enabled us to fulfil our responsibilities to our sponsors. Well done everyone!