The Mount Gambier Aviation Museum has taken up an online presence, officially launching its website on Tuesday.


As the museum prepares to take flight at the Mount Gambier Regional Airport the community can stay tuned for updates and be among the first to soar into the region’s aviation history.


With support from Grant District Council, the museum has been successful in receiving $5000 seed funding towards the project getting off the ground.


The request for financial assistance along with a licence agreement was presented for consideration at Grant District Council’s April monthly meeting on Monday.


Museum chairperson Chris Holden said the museum will serve as a dynamic hub for aviation enthusiasts and local residents alike, offering a range of exhibits, events and educational programs.


“This exciting project aims to showcase the rich aviation heritage of our region while fostering community engagement and preserving our aviation history for future generations,” Mr Holden said.


“Visitors can look forward to immersive experiences, including open days, fly-in events and interactive exhibits designed to captivate and educate audiences of all ages.


“We are excited to bring the story of our region’s aviation history to life.


“Our goal is to create a space where visitors can explore, learn and be inspired by the incredible legacy of aviation in our community.


“Having secured the proper governance through the Incorporation of the Mount Gambier Aviation Museum, it is now time to announce the project to the community.


“We believe the museum will not only celebrate our aviation heritage but also contribute to the economic and cultural vitality of our region.”


Prominent local aviation identity Leigh O’Connor is inviting the public to consider any assistance they could offer.


Mr O’Connor said this could include many roles such as in the provision, collection, assembly of any memorabilia or historic contribution or volunteering.


“The museum’s establishment is expected to have a significant and positive impact on Mount Gambier and the surrounding areas, positioning it as a top tourist destination and cultural drawcard for visitors from near and far,” he said.


Mount Gambier Regional Airport manager Nick Serle advocated at council’s meeting on behalf of the small community group.


“A number of committee members have been doing an enormous amount of hard work on a strategic plan,” he said.


“The group presented at a workshop in October last year and has been doing a lot of work to make sure they are ready to go public.”


In order for the museum to become established in the Bellman hangar, Mr Serle revealed two of the 10 aircraft housed in the structure were in the process of being relocated to new hangars onsite.


An aircraft from the Bellman hangar will be relocated into the fourth hangar and a second aircraft will move into the fifth hangar.


“Very shortly we will be in a position to lease 20% of the Bellman hangar,” Mr Serle said.


“This works quite well in terms of how the hangar is structured with the columns and the bays.


“We can put in a temporary fence for the museum to get a start on using the Bellman hangar.”


Mr Serle said aircraft owners utilising the Bellman hangar have been advised this might occur.


Meanwhile, Mayor Kylie Boston acknowledged the work of the volunteer group.


“It’s exciting to see this progressing and well done to that group,” she said.


“I know how much work it takes when it’s a group of volunteers bringing together these things.


“It takes a lot of people’s time in their normal day to make this happen.”


Visit www.mountgambieraviationmuseum.org to check out the Mount Gambier Aviation Museum website.