The Mulwala Pioneer Museum launched their newest short-term exhibition ‘Take Off’ last week, acknowledging the region’s early aviation history.
An interesting overview of aviation history in the region, the cutting of the ribbon for the exhibition, a 19 minute ‘movie’ of old footage from flying in Yarrawonga and surrounds particularly and a morning tea were very much enjoyed from the approximate 50 in attendance.
Mulwala Pioneer Museum Vice President Wendy Elliott began proceedings before Pioneer Museum historian Alex Sloane spoke on some of Yarrawonga Mulwala’s history and the reasoning for the exhibition in Mulwala.
“Early aviation is a forgotten history, but Yarrawonga has a great history with the early days of aviation in Australia,” Mr Sloane said.
“We hope with this exhibition that we can bring back the knowledge of early local aviation.
“It is also great that we are only 45 minutes from Tocumwal who have a whole museum dedicated to aviation so both museums can send buffs to each other.
“We had many reasons to open this exhibition and we are very proud of it.”
Guest Speaker for the day, Tocumwal Aviation Museum Chief Executive Matt Henderson then gave an extensive overview of early flying both in the area and Australia.
“The Sloane family have a fascinating aviation history and Yarrawonga was one of the early areas in Australia to experience aviation,” Mr Henderson said.
“The first reported flight in the area was in 1915 when a farmer noticed a plane flying over his property.
“Now that would not mean much but when planes weren’t as popular and commercialised as they are now, this would have been both shocking and exciting.
“An interesting piece of history is that you couldn’t fly where there was a train service, it defeated the purpose.
“Another is that in 1919 the Australian Flying Corp dropped leaflets to properties asking communities to loan the government money so they could get the troops home.
“Between 1910 - 1919 aircraft was becoming more of use and 100 years ago Australia also had plane manufacturing which we no longer have.”
Mr Henderson concluded by congratulating those who have worked hard to get the exhibition up and running while also thanking them for helping to keep this piece of Australian history alive.
“This collection has an interesting local and national history and it’s great to see it get captured,” Mr Henderson said.
“This helps keep the history alive. Congratulations to the team for putting it all together.”
The Mulwala Pioneer Museum is open Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm – 4.30pm with plenty of local history on display. This exhibition will remain until September.