A memorial propeller honouring RAAF service personnel has been moved to a more prominent position in the roundabout at Bundaberg Airport.
The propeller from a Lockheed P2 Neptune was installed at the airport in November 1988 by the local branch of the Bundaberg and District RAAF Association with community support to commemorate RAAF Station Bundaberg (1941-47).
The propeller was relocated at the time of the airport upgrade in 2009.
Mayor Jack Dempsey said the recent construction of a covered walkway had obscured the propeller from public view.
“The Bundaberg and District RAAF Association approached Council with a request to move the memorial propeller from its previous location to the airport roundabout,” he said.
“The propeller is an important reminder of the brave service personnel who trained in Bundaberg for some of the most dangerous duties in our armed forces.
“It’s appropriate that travellers will see this highly visible tribute to those who defended our country and way of life.”
P2 Neptunes were maritime patrol and anti-submarine aircraft in service with the RAAF from 1951 until the 1970s.
Secretary of Bundaberg and District RAAF Association, John Wilson, said members were pleased that Council had acted so quickly to move the propeller.
“The propeller was originally installed after discussions with the former Bundaberg Council in the late 1980s,” he said.
“The propeller is a reminder that RAAF Station Bundaberg operated during the Second World War as a training school and for submarine hunting missions.”
Mr Wilson said there would be a blessing and memorial service for the RAAF memorial propeller at its new location later this year.
RSL sub-branch president Helen Blackburn said the propeller honours the men and women who trained, worked and died on duty at RAAF Station Bundaberg during World War Two.
“With the outbreak of World War Two it was decided as part of the Empire Air Training Scheme to requisition Bundaberg Airport and develop it as a RAAF Flying Training School,” she said.
“It’s terrific to see this poignant memorial to our former RAAF personnel have greater prominence.”
Great to see the Memorial SP2H propellor preserved. I remember the original unveiling just outside the then terminal.
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