Papua New Guinea's aviation heritage can now be proudly displayed following the opening of the purpose-built Aviation Heritage Centre at the Papua New Guinea National Museum and Art Gallery in Port Moresby.
The new facility, opened by PNG's Minister for Finance, Thomas Opa, and Australia's Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, provides a permanent home for the museum's World War 2-era Douglas A-20 Havoc bomber, along with other historic Papua New Guinean aircraft and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Wirraway aircraft.
Built as a collaboration between RAAF and the PNG National Museum and Art Gallery, the centre was established to preserve aircraft of mutual significance to both nations for years to come.
Rodney Graham, a Port Moresby resident, helped install many of the new centre's exhibitions. His company, Rods Construction Ltd, used cranes and forklifts to set the items in place. Since 2023, the project has contributed PGK 39 million (AUD$14 million) to the local economy.
For Mr Graham, the new centre serves as a reminder - for himself and future generations - of the sacrifices of the past and the shared history between Australia and PNG.
"I wasn't born when these things happened and this centre helps us to think of our history - our shared history - and the things that happened long ago," Mr Graham said.
"It means a lot to be invited to be here, and to be involved in a milestone event for Papua New Guinea."
'This aviation centre is a gift of friendship.'
For Air Marshal Chappell, the centre is a symbol of PNG and Australia's defence relationship.
"The Aviation Heritage Centre and the World War 2-era Douglas A-20 Havoc bomber stand as a permanent reminder of an enduring defence relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea, forged through shared tenacity and sacrifice during World War 2," Air Marshal Chappell said.
"The opening of this purpose-built facility acknowledges and celebrates the work being undertaken to safeguard and celebrate Papua New Guinea's aviation history and heritage.
"This aviation centre is a gift of friendship. Thank you for being a good friend to us, for always showing up for us, and your mutual respect."
The centre already has a new addition, with Air Marshal Chappell providing a new exhibit at the opening.
He presented pictorial history books and photographs to PNG Defence Force Air Transport Wing Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Vavar and Director of Air Operations Lieutenant Colonel Nancy Wii. The photographs, taken in the mid-1970s by the first Commanding Officer of the Air Transport Squadron, William 'Stew' McAllister, depict PNG's Douglas DC3s.
The PNG Defence Force, RAAF and the PNG National Museum and Art Gallery continue their work to ensure the ongoing preservation and display of aviation artefacts of mutual interest.
