Museum’s challenges

Issues such as accommodation, growth, exhibitions and funding are major challenges for the RAAF Museum at Point Cook, according to the museum’s new curator.

David Crotty said the museum was the “best resourced service museum” and was in an ideal position to build on its reputation.

“The museum is part of the public face of the Air Force and so it has a significant role to play. One of the ongoing challenges is keeping it in the forefront for those who make decisions,” Mr Crotty said.

“I’ve always been keen on aircraft and have watched the way the museum’s aircraft collection has developed. In particular, the addition of the Avro 504K and SE5a last year really filled a gap that existed. It’s a very well rounded and great collection to work with.

“I like the range and diversity of the material in the museum and really enjoy mixing it up if possible, in particular telling the human stories because they have the most meaning and people relate well to them. I’d like to emphasise that a bit more.”

Mr Crotty’s career includes 10 years as Moorabin Air Museum curator and six at the Australian War Memorial.

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