Evans Head Fairey Battle restoration worthwhile

You know the feeling when something is different but you can’t quite put your finger on it?

Visitors and locals have had that experience for the past few months when driving to Evans Head via the roundabout coming into town. The observant few would have seen that a landmark had disappeared from its post.

Richmond Valley Council recently approached the Evans Head Heritage Aviation Museum and asked if the Museum could clean up and restore the Fairey Battle replica on display at the roundabout on the Evans Head approach.

‘Over the years the display has decayed and was in need of repainting and required a number of repairs,’ said Rod Kinnish President of the Evans Head Heritage Aviation Museum. ‘Museum Manager Ken Duplock researched the history of the aircraft and proposed a paint scheme representative of an aircraft which operated at Evans Head.’

Kinnish said the museum volunteers removed the display with the help of Mr Craig Knox from Broadwater Cranes, and over a few months, lovingly repaired and completely repainted the model aircraft in representative livery.

‘Today the aircraft was returned to its position and the volunteers engaged in this project were very pleased to see the results of this labour of love,’ said Rod. ‘The Fairey had only been up for about 10 minutes when a pedestrian stopped and said it looked fantastic.’

‘Very well done to the restoration team on this project restoring a wonderful display representing the history of RAAF Station Evans Head.’

The Fairey Battle can be seen at the intersection of Woodburn and Ash streets – the main drag leading into town.