The Narromine Aviation Museum will soon feature upgraded physical and digital displays, a memorial wall and more signage thanks to a $144,000 grant from the NSW government’s Clubgrants infrastructure program.
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Home to the world’s only remaining 1937 Corban Super Ace, 1951 Adventure Glider and flying model Wright Flyer, the museum will soon also house the Visitor Information Centre.
The museum currently attracts up to 5000 visitors per year. Chairman Peter Kierath was confident that could be boosted to about 10,000 visitors per year by 2021.
“I’m always amazed by where these people are from and how far they come to visit the Narromine Aviation Museum,” Mr Kierath said.
“It’s just a wonderful story. Narromine aerodrome is one of Australia’s most historic aerodromes.”
Mr Kierath labelled Monday’s funding announcement “emotional”, and said assets like the museum were “fundamental” in attracting tourists to small towns.
“I think that most small towns have a story, but regrettably a lot of those stories fall away,” he said.
“We’ve got a good story and we’re telling it well … but there’s still plenty of work to be done.”
The memorial wall will cost an estimated $50,000 and honour the 2700 pilots that trained at Narromine during World War Two.
Digital touch screen displays, ear phones and audio commentaries will enhance the interactive experience for visitors, while a small cafe will complement the new visitor information centre.
About $17,000 will cover the installation of signs throughout the town and on the highway outside the facility.
Dubbo MP Troy Grant was on hand on Monday to present the funds to a facility he said “has the potential to draw significant economic benefits for the community”.
“The quality of the museum out here, especially in the centenary of ANZAC celebrations, the quality of the history out here and the contribution to the war that Narromine has made is something that should be cherished and is rightly showcased here in this beautiful museum,” Mr Grant said.
In another, $690,000 funding boost, Narromine Shire Council has called for tenders to upgrade Tom Perry Drive and the forecourt.
“The strength of the volunteers who belong to this organisation is such that you’ve created an absolutely marvellous museum in here,” mayor Craig Davies said.
“It is a wonderful draw card for our town and it is a real credit to the people who have put so much time and effort into it.”
