Canberra’s aviation history recognised

A new display at the Royal Australian Air Force Association Memorial Grove depicting Canberra’s aviation history was officially opened today.
 
Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Geoff Brown, AO, unveiled the new interpretative panels which illustrate aviation in the region from the early days of the city to the present.
 
“Canberra has been linked to military aviation from the very outset,” Air Marshal Brown said.
 
“In this distinctly Australian place, right next to the heart of the nation’s government, the RAAF Association has created a simple dignified monument.
 
“The displays at Memorial Grove honour the unique contribution to Australia and its way of life by our airmen.
 
“Displays are important to inspire our current members through reminding them of our rich history of service and sacrifice.”
 
The panels illustrate Australian war-time aviation, the development of RAAF Base Fairbairn, and its transition to the Canberra International Airport.
 
The display was developed by the ACT Division of the Australian Flying Corps and the Royal Australian Air Force Association to provide a permanent historical record of the significant linkages between aviation and Canberra.
 
The display was funded by the Federal Department of the Environment through the Your Community Heritage grant program, BAE Systems (Australia), Lockheed Martin (Australia), and the Canberra Airport Group.
 
Media note: 
Imagery will be available from the Defence image gallery at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20143481
 
Media contact:
Flight Lieutenant Mick McGirr – (02) 6265 2903 or RAAF.PA [at] defence.gov.au