Orion is now officially a work of art

Air Commodore Philip Byrne, Warrant Officers Bob Eley and Michael Morris, and Flight Sergeant David Strauss with the painting of an AP-3C presented to the Edinburgh Sergeants Mess. Photo by CPL Jeremy Patten

A LIMITED edition print of an AP-3C Orion flying over a Collins Class submarine and an Anzac class frigate has been produced by the Maritime Patrol Group at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

The original painting, which took local artist Barry Spicer two months to complete, is now on display at the Edinburgh Sergeants Mess, with canvas copies also presented to the Officers Mess and Airmen’s Club.

Air Commodore Philip Byrne, former Commander MPG, joined Mr Spicer in numbering and signing each of the 500 prints, and said it was a marvellous idea as the Orion was a source of pride for aircrew and ground crew.

Once costs for the project have been recouped, all remaining funds will be donated to nominated charities, including the Make-a-Wish Foundation and Canteen.

One of the organisers of the project, Flight Sergeant David Strauss, said he hoped more than $30,000 would be raised from the prints, which are selling fast.

They cost $125 for Defence personnel, including contractors and civilians, and $150 for non-Defence personnel. Contact FSGT Strauss on (08) 8393 2084 or david.strauss@defence.gov.au.

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