Photogaph by SGT John COomecaption

It is 'our' Memorial. If we do not support it, we can hardly expect the general public, defence companies and other corporations to donate money towards its redevelopment.

An artist's impression of how the RAAF Memorial, located on ANZAC Parade in Canberra, could look after redevelopment

As readers would be aware, Air Marshal Errol McCormack, Chief of Air Force, has instituted a project to have the National Memorial to the RAAF, located in Canberra, redeveloped to make it more identifiable and to ensure that it portrays more fully the image, ethos and history of our Service. The Memorial is intended to symbolise not only the spirit of the RAAF but also service to Australia and the sacrifice made by tens of thousands of Air Force men and women since the formation of the RAAF in March 1921.

Although initial plans were to have the required work completed by September 2001, recent advice from the National Capital Authority is that this date cannot be achieved. Air Marshal McCormack has agreed to a revised date of 31 Mar 2002 for the completion and rededication of the new memorial, to coincide with the 81st anniversary of the formation of the RAAF.

An artists impression of how the RAAF memorial, located on ANZAC Parade in Canberra, could look after redevelopment.

The Redevelopment Committee asks that you give serious consideration to making a contribution if you have not already done so. The Committee also seeks your active support to help publicise the project and encourage donations from others, using any contacts and networks that you may have.

As at 9 April 2001, donations totalling $45,290.00 had been received by the RAAF Memorial Redevelopment Committee. A further $20,500.00 has been pledged by various organisations and individuals, making a total of $65,790.00.

Of particular note is the donation recently received from the Royal Air Force. Historians among our readers would be aware that, when the RAAF was formed in 1921, the RAF provided an 'Imperial Gift' of aircraft, vehicles and ancillary equipment to assist its fledgling 'sister' Service. The RAF donation to the RAAF Memorial Trust Fund, presented by Air Chief Marshal Sir Peter Squire (CAS RAF) at a reception at the Australian High Commission in London on 2 April 2001, makes an interesting parallel to this earlier gift.

BAE SYSTEMS Australia Holdings Ltd and National Air Support Ltd have provided major corporate donations. The success of the fundraising campaign for the redevelopment of the RAAF Memorial will be heavily dependent on the generosity of all Australians, and the support of defence related companies such as these is most welcome.

Also of note is a donation received from the Hawkesbury City Council (NSW), which affirms the longstanding and close relationship enjoyed between the RAAF, particularly RAAF Richmond, and the Hawkesbury community.

The Committee would like to acknowledge the following people and organisations who have provided donations since last month's report:

Donations from Individuals:
Barbara Bushell; Mr Cunningham M. Cassels; AIRCDRE P.F. Devine; SQNLDR M.R. Elliott (Ret'd); Mr John R. Gardner; D.T. Griffin; Mr E.H. Hanfield; GPCAPT Jean Harrison (Ret'd); AVM L.J.K. Holten; Harry & Winifred Levy; Mrs Sue McWaters; Mr Glen Moxon; Mr Nigel Neilson; Mr J.R. Pattison; AIRMSHL D.J.S. Riding; Mr K.I. Semmler; AIRCDRE D.H. Solin; Ms Susette Szalay; A.O. Thomas; Mr Cedric Thompson; Mrs M. Toms.

Donations from other Services:
Royal Air Force

Corporate Donations:
BAE SYSTEMS Australia Holdings Ltd; Tenix Pty Ltd; National Air Support Pty Ltd.

Donations from Service Organisations
RAAF Association (Bullcreek Branch); RAAF Association (Launceston Branch); RAAF Association (Mitcham Branch); RAAF Association (NT Division); RSL (ACT Branch); Dalby RSLA Sub-Branch; Gungahlin RSLA Sub-Branch; Norlane RSL Sub-Branch; Rainbow Beach RSL Sub-Branch; Tamborine Mountain RSL Sub-Branch.

Over $400,000.00 still needs to be raised and the RAAF Memorial Redevelopment Committee urges all current serving and former members of the RAAF to support this worthy project. All donations of $2 or more are deductible for income tax purposes until 17 November 2001. Donations may be posted to:

Honorary Treasurer
RAAF Memorial Trust Fund
Locked Bag 5015
FYSHWICK ACT 2609

Donations also may deposited at any branch of the ANZ Bank to the credit of 'The Royal Australian Air Force Memorial Trust Fund', BSB 012952 - Account number 3474-85078.