General News
18 February, 2026
Museum flying ahead to complete stage two
STAGE two of a five-stage development plan for the FNQ Aviation Museum at Mareeba will now be completed after the not-for-profit group secured a Saluting their Service grant to allow the installation of internal walls, graphic design and lighting.
The not-for-profit 100% volunteer-run organisation aims to fill a gap in demand by creating a major tourist attraction in Mareeba that will stimulate an interest in aviation and STEM careers.
FNQ Aviation Museum president Brendan Kent told The Express that Hangar 2 would become the museum’s World War II visitor centre.
“Currently, we are in the process of finalising designs and having the floor surfaces grounded and sealed thanks to a Bendigo Bank Mareeba Dimbulah grant,” he said.
“Next door, we have already installed a 15x8m concrete slab to enable the installation of a 1968 build former Vietnam-era Lysaght Hut, one of other similar buildings in the area.”
The museum group is planning for this to become an evolution of engines display hall with about 10 engines including from the Gypsy Major, Armstrong Siddeley Double Mamba, Pratt & Whitney R-2000 Twin Wasp, Wright R-1820 Cyclone and a couple of Jet engines.
“Currently, we also are in the process of acquiring a former Beck collection ex-RAAF Canberra Bomber and Vampire aircraft,” Brendan said.
He said the project was being supported by local business Gregg Constructions which was assisting with the transportation of the aircraft to the Mareeba Airport site.
The FNQ Aviation Museum has also recently commissioned their latest aircraft, an operational aircraft providing adventure flights in the near future.
“The former RAAF Winjeel (baby eagle) was acquired from Mike Spaulding at NQ Warbirds,” Brendan said.
He said former RAAF Roulette pilot and FNQAM member, Peter Clements, had been donating his time for pilot training all the way from Melbourne.
He added that the group will also be hoping to once again be able to have flypasts for Veterans’ commemorative events in the Far North, pending a fuel sponsorship deal.
FNQ Aviation Museum is registered with the Australian Charities & Not for profit Commission (ACNC) and includes membership of the Australian Aviation Museum National Network, Australian Galleries & Museums Association (AMaGA) and FNQ Volunteers.
“Tax Deductible Gift Recipient status for all donations made over $2 and the Cultural Gifts Program are put to good effect with the completion of this latest stage of our museum development among our achievements,” Brendan said.
The Aviation Museum also inspires the public using interactive and captivating world class displays, educates through using varied learning experiences to cater for all ages, and restores aircraft, engines, artefacts and other local aviation-related history assets.
“The museum seeks to preserve the region’s local aviation history and artefacts and will display history to the public, providing a place for local groups and tourists to meet at the airport and the venue will facilitate local historians to undertake research and reveal untold stories of the past,” Brendan added.
Current display items include a C-47 Dakota – under restoration as a static display, a NAA Yale – Empire Training Scheme Aircraft, remnants of the aerodrome’s B17 Bomber “Hoomali-mali” crash including bomb fragments, and the engine cowling of a Puss Moth aircraft, once flown by North Queensland aviation legend Tom McDonald and various other items.
At the airport terminal, a short drive to the other end of the runway, there are also some beautiful murals, a display dedicated to Harry Squires and his journey from an RAAF pilot to becoming a crop-dusting pilot of regional renown, and Rex Budd’s R22 Robinson helicopter and mustering pioneer display.
“FNQ Aviation annual membership costs the equivalent of a chicken parmi at the pub – $25 – and is due March each year and can be arranged on line at www.fnqam.com.au,” Brendan said.
“Although we are closed to the public until late March, volunteers are welcome to help out any Thursday or Saturday morning between 9am-noon and other days.”
