The work of the volunteers on the Walrus amphibian has been described as impeccable. Here, volunteer Kev Williams proudly displays the propeller hub he produced for the aircraft.

The RAAF Museum's Walrus amphibian restoration reached a new phase recently, when it left the restoration hangar - its home of almost seven years - for the paint shop where it will undergo a transformation that will bring the aircraft within an inch of completion.

It has been a long and arduous process - just ask the dedicated Reserve Staff Group workers and volunteers who have toiled away to help put the huge jigsaw together piece by piece.

It is even more frustrating for the project team when a component is missing altogether and needs to be manufactured 'from scratch'.

Such was the case with the Walrus propeller hub, the piece of equipment that fits the shaft of the engine and holds the two wooden propellers together. Although, most of the components of the aircraft are original, no amount of sourcing managed to turn up this important item.

This is where volunteer Kev Williams came to the rescue. A retired toolmaker and film industry technician, Kev has been an active member of the Friends of the RAAF Museum for five years, mostly working in the technical area. It took two months, working a day a week to complete the hub, which will be fitted to the aircraft once it emerges from the paint shop.

'I love engineering and I have always enjoyed making things,' Kev said. 'I was most interested in this opportunity because it involved aircraft work.'

Kev's story is only one of the thousands that has contributed to the Museum's success over the years. It's volunteers like him who at times keep the wheels turning at the Museum. About 80 people assist with a broad range of tasks including restoration and conservation work, as well as cleaning aircraft, directing traffic on flying days and tour guiding.

This increasing band of enthusiastic people, skilled and unskilled, some with trade backgrounds, some professional, with past and present occupations as varied as banker, paramedic, photographer, aeronautical engineer and mum, have contributed to the success of a range of major projects at the Museum, including the completion of the recently opened Training Exhibition and spreading the Museum message at the Avalon Airshow.

The Volunteers are happy to travel with the Museum direction without question or thought of reward. Nonetheless, Volunteer Coordinator Mary Louis said it is important to regularly recognise their achievements.

'2001 is the International Year of the Volunteer, so we have looked at different ways of valuing the volunteer contribution,' she said. 'We have demonstrated our gratitude by organising special activities for the volunteers. However, we also acknowledge that most of the time, the fact that the job is done and someone has gained enjoyment or understanding as a result, is rewarding enough.'

Story and photograph by Teena Cardillo