Functions

RAAF Williams – Point Cook is the birthplace of the Australian Flying Corps and its successor, the Royal Australian Air Force. It was established in 1913 as the location for the Central Flying School.

The site provides office space, an active airfield, a RAAF Museum, repository and a venue Cadet training.

There is ongoing maintenance of heritage buildings including painting and reroofing of unused married quarters.

Address

Point Cook Road
Point Cook VIC 3030

Size

342 hectares

Occupants

• Australian Defence Force personnel: 10–50
• Australian Public Service personnel: 10–50
• Australian Defence Force Reserves: 150–200
• Cadets: 350–400

People are and will remain Defence's most important capability. The Defence Estate Audit recommendations will enhance Defence work environments, ensuring our estate is a key point of attraction and is fit-for-purpose for both current and future members of the workforce. These improvements will strengthen the overall appeal of working for Defence.

Relocation

Personnel with administrative functions may relocate to RAAF Williams – Laverton, 7.5 km away, or Defence Plaza Melbourne, 30 km away.

Capability and associated personnel requiring an airfield (including Reserves) will move to an alternate appropriate site, on a case by case basis, for example to RAAF Richmond, RAAF Amberley, RAAF Wagga or RAAF Williamtown.

Cadets will remain in the region and relocate to a new lease at a community venue or school. Defence will engage with potential venues to facilitate this.

History and heritage

The Australian Government is committed to preserving and enhancing public access to historically significant sites and collections, including museums. Properties on the Commonwealth Heritage List have protections under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The Government has an obligation to protect the Commonwealth Heritage Value of a property as part of any sale. Alternative heritage management options will also be considered.

There is one Commonwealth Heritage Listing and one National Heritage Listing for RAAF Williams – Point Cook. Many of the buildings and features on the site are included in the listing including the Belman Hangers.

Onsite there is also the RAAF Museum and Air Force Heritage Collection (AFHC). The RAAF Museum is open every Thursday and Sunday 10:00am - 3:00pm. Visits must be booked in advance. The museum is publicly accessible and requires an escort and visitor sign-in. The AFHC is not accessible to the public and includes general and specialised storage.

Options will be explored with future owners to manage heritage obligations as a condition of sale.

Subject to the divestment process, the museum would be able to be retained on site as part of the condition of sale. The Government will also explore partnerships with heritage organisations and trusts to support heritage protection strategies.

By ensuring they remain accessible to the community, we help foster understanding of Defence’s history, recognise the service and sacrifice of our people, and strengthen connection between the Australian Defence Force, the nation it serves, and the local communities we work within.

Factsheet

RAAF Williams – Point Cook estate audit factsheet (PDF, 133.05 KB)