New Memorial and Signage completed at Nhill’s WWII RAAF Training Base

Published on 02 December 2019

The Nhill Aerodrome now has a new memorial and interpretive signage dedicated to the former WWII RAAF Training Base at the site.

In cooperation with the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre, Hindmarsh Shire Council were successful in receiving funding from the Victorian State Government to install a memorial and interpretive signage reflecting the importance of the training base both to the RAAF and to the township of Nhill.

The funding, through the Victoria Remembers Minor Grants Program, saw the development of a memorial dedicated to the over 10,000 RAAF personal who lived and worked at the base between 1941 and 1946. The memorial acts as an entranceway into the Nhill Aerodrome, and introduces visitors to the significance of the training base during the Second World War.

Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor, Cr Rob Gersch said “The new memorial highlights an important and proud part of Nhill’s history. We have been fortunate enough through the Victorian State Government funding to be able to install this memorial and educative signage in the year that we celebrate the Centenary of Aviation in Nhill”

Forty interpretive signs have been installed around the Memorial Walking Track which winds around the site giving visitors an insight into what the base looked like during its active years. These signs assist the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre educate locals and visitors about the significance, and size, of the RAAF Training Base.

Minister for Veterans, the Hon. Robin Scott MP said “The veteran community has done so much to make Victoria what it is today and these grants will help maintain their stories for future generations.” 

An official unveiling ceremony of the memorial plaque is being planned with a date and time to be confirmed.

For more information, please contact Jeff Woodward, Tourism and Economic Development Officer, on 03 5391 4444 or email jwoodward@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.

Greg Wood
Chief Executive Officer