BHP Australian Historical Flying Museum

HARS' dream for a permanent single facility to house its growing collection of aircraft and workshops came much closer in December 2001.

A joint announcement with the senior management of BHP Billiton, Shellharbour City Council together with neighbouring Wollongong and Kiama Councils, Australian Steel Mill Services and Cleary Bros Concrete was held at Albion Park airport, near Wollongong.

Details were released of a planned $10m aviation museum, retail centre, education centre and maintenance facilities for HARS, which will move from Bankstown Airport. BHP Steel will provide materials for an upgrade of Albion Park aerodrome and the construction of a facility to house what will be known as the BHP Australian Historical Aviation Museum.

Australian Steel Mill Services will assist with the provision and transport of road base material for upgrading the aerodrome's runway. BHP says the project will be a showcase for its building products.

The museum complex will be a major tourist attraction for the Illawarra region. It will be located on Illawarra Regional Airport and its entrance is off the busy Princes Highway—lots of passing traffic.

HARS needs to raise $4,500,000 to cover the many costs involved in completing the building fitout, moving its aircraft and equipment to the new facility. Can you help? You could sponsor the erection of an upright and have a plaque with your name in the museum as a permanent thank you for your assistance. All monies donated to HARS are fully tax deductible.

Construction is well underway with all the footings and earthworks complete. See photographs taken at the Family Open Day 7 July 2002. The first hangar framework is up and waiting for the sheeting.