Queensland Air Museum at Caloundra

Needs Help!

Caribou A4-173 has had an interesting career. Delivered to RTFV in Vietnam in 1964, direct from de Havillands in Canada, it survived a couple of crashes, was rebuilt twice, ended up flying with two US Army wings and finally made it back to Australia (Richmond) in one piece in Feb 1972.  In July 1976 it was re-positioned to Townsville where it operated successfully for a number of years until 1990 when it was de-commissioned.

In October 2001, it was sold to the Air Museum and has been a major draw card ever since.

Unfortunately, some weeks ago, a major storm tore through Caloundra and as the gust lock was not engaged, the control services were damaged. The museum's volunteers have been working on it ever since, to get it back into shape as an exhibit, but they need help.

They desperately need black-handers, Sumpies, Framies and Metal-bashers but Queer traders are also most welcome and you don't have to be an old Caribou person or even ex-RAAF, if you're a handy person, male and/or female, you're more than welcome. Pilots even. This is a golden opportunity to don the blue overalls again and work on the old aircraft we all love - we have to get the old girl back centre stage where she belongs.

If you can help please fill in the form below and send it to us, once we have an idea on numbers we'll confirm things. We're suggesting 2 days a month, a Tuesday and Wednesday, perhaps the second in each month. You don't have to come each day, just when you can.

For insurance purposes, if you're not a member, you will need to join as a volunteer - the cost is $25.

Sambo

Secretary/Treasurer, Wallaby Airlines.

(The people's champion)