21 November 2023

ROYAL NEWCASTLE AERO CLUB

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads)—Congratulations to the Royal Newcastle Aero Club who recently celebrated their 95-year anniversary at the annual wings' presentation dinner. The night of nights saw long-time friend of the club, Matt Hall, reflecting on his early love of aviation, and his progression to service in the RAAF and his Red Bull Air Race World Championship journey. Young and graduating pilots excitedly received their wings from Matt. The night saw Doug Brooks named club champion, Daniel Hespie won the Graham Neal Memorial Trophy, Bruce Robertson received the Club Captains award, and Keith Lobb the President's award. The Newcastle Aero Club began in Broadmeadow on October 11th 1928. In recognition of their services to the RAAF training pilots for service during the war the Queen granted the title Royal to the club in 1953, a first for a non-capital city club. The club moved to their Rutherford site in 1960 and now play a vital role in the community of Maitland. Congratulations to the board, employees, members and volunteers on their 95th birthday.