Written for Shaun “Zoro” Radnedge for the opening of the Secret WW2 Base
First and foremost, I’d like to express my thanks to each one of you for being here today. It’s an honour to have The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe, the State Minister for Tourism, Innovation, and Sport, as well as Honourable David Littleproud, Federal Member for Maranoa, in attendance at this important event. I also want to extend my thanks to the remarkable individuals present today and the countless members of our community who have poured their time and energy into this amazing project. Your commitment has made a terrific attraction, and on behalf of Murweh, I extend our thanks.
The completion of this project marks not only another sparkling gem in Charleville’s tourism offerings but also a significant reminder to the tight bond that existed, and still exists, strategically between Australia and the United States.
The base, cloaked in secrecy for countless years, played a pivotal role in winning the Pacific War and contributed decisively to the overall Allied victory.
Many of you are aware that Charleville boasts a rich aviation heritage, dating back almost as far as the beginning of powered flight itself. Thanks to the likes of QANTAS, the Flying Doctor Service, and the pioneering early aviators who graced our skies and stopped into Charleville over the last century, our town has become synonymous with aviation history.
The base, which served as a crucial staging post for B-17 bombers during World War II and harboured an ultra-top-secret bomb site operational until the Vietnam War, adds a significant chapter to Charleville’s storied aviation legacy.
Inside this complex, the displays recollect the fascinating history of those times, preserving the memory of the sacrifices made, the heroism displayed and daily life on the base. The museum, now open to all, will ensure that the stories of the men and women who served here, as well as an important part of Charleville’s rich aviation history, are not forgotten.
Finally, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you for joining us as we commemorate this historic occasion. Together, we honour the past and those who made sacrifices for our life today, both on the ground and in the boundless skies above Charleville.
