Infrastructure

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GNOWANGERUP AIRPORT

The original gravel airstrip was situated on the top of the hill west of the townsite where the watertank was that supplied water to the town. Pilot John Downie operated an air ambulance service from this airstrip. Gordon Freegard remembers at one known emergency a landing was made at night with the airstrip light by car headlights when locals were called upon to help light the airstrip so a landing could take place.

Gnowangerup Star Newspaper Article 1944
 On Wednesday 23rd August 1944, four aircraft will be landing on Gnowangerup airstrip at 2.30 p.m. Everyone is invited to come and view the planes. It is the intention of the VACO to hold a busy bee on Sunday the 20th inst. to clear small roots etc. from the strip and a truck will be leaving the bank corner at 9 a.m.. Many hands make light work, so please roll up.



 ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE PLANE ON SHOW AT OPENING                #1

Following the official opening of the new lighted airstrip at
Gnowangerup, the pilot of the Air Ambulance Service
took some of the locals on a flight to get a first hand
look from the air.All voted it a great experience
and the ladies who got the dust on take-off, suggested
the next move could be a sealed runway.
 

      GEORGE CREMASCO & JOHN NOAKES          #2
AT COCKTAILS AFTER THE OPENING CEREMONY
 

District airstrip credit to volunteers
May 1984

A new milestone was reached in the history of Gnowangerup and district in May 1984 when Shire President, Cr Monty House, unveiled a plaque to commemorate the opening of the lighting and upgrading of the Gnowangerup airstrip.

The ceremony was performed at the airstrip before a large gathering of people of Gnowangerup, Borden and Ongerup.
Mr House was introduced by Mr Barrie Stewart, President of Gnowangerup Sub Centre of St John Ambulance Association.
Mr House said he was proud and pleased to share with the community the fruition of a most ambitious and rewarding project. He covered the history of airstrips in the district which began in the 1930's when a local Flying Club was in operation and said that several of the then members had served later in the airforces during World War II.

 

 

In 1953 the late John Downie operated an Air Ambulance Service and charter plane from what was then known as McCullagh's paddock adjoining the town boundary.
This project failed through lack of financial support.
With the advent of the Flying Doctor Service, the Shire prepared another airstrip but this was limited to daylight operation.
A number of people recognised that better facilities were necessary and Mr Ron Whyatt approached the Shire Council with the proposition of upgrading the strip and provision of lighting.

COMMUNITY EFFORT
The Shire Council, after leliberation, decided it could not finance the project but seeing community efforts had rovided reticulated ovals, an airstrip was a distinct possibility.
Councillor Cremasco and Mr John Noakes, in a voluntary capacity were handed the job of organisation and Mr Whyatt the task of raising inance for lighting.
Mr House went on to say that help was received from everyone by way of machinery, voluntary labour and finance and the result was a testament to the faith people have in their district and its future.

24 HOUR SERVICE
Mr Stewart then called on Mr Tim Wellard, Chairman of Gnowangerup Hospital Board, to say a few words.
Mr Wellard said that in the past 12 months 26 transfers of patients had been made by the Flying Doctor service and to know that this facility could be used day night, was a comfort to the Hospital, its patients and the Doctor.
He thanked the Council, Mr Noakes, Cr Cremasco and Mr Ron Whyatt for the part they had played in the project.

 

 
 

MAP SHONIG SITE OF NEW AIRPORT               #3

 

CAN BE PROUD
Mr Jorgensen of the Flying Doctor Service, who had flown down for the occasion, said Gnowangerup could be proud of its airstrip and that it was better than what was offered at much larger centres. He named Bunbury as one of these not so well provided.
When asked to speak, Mr Ron Whyatt said he was pleased to take the opportunity to thank the people who had made contributions, large and small, towards paying for the lighting of the strip. He said help had been forthcoming from business houses,
25 YEARS SERVICE
Before inviting all present to adjourn to the Sporting Complex for drinks and savouries, catered for by the Red Cross and Hospital Ladies Auxiliary, Mr Stewart called on Mr Gordon Stewart who had served for 25 years as Transport Officer for the Gnowangerup Sub-Centre.
Mr Stewart paid tribute to the many voluntary drivers who had assisted him over the years, especially prior to the introduction of the Flying Doctor planes.
He said many times he had to call on them to make a trip to Perth at all hours of the night and not once had he failed to find a volunteer. He went on to thank the various Hospital Matrons who had co-operated with the Ambulance over the years.”

 

Every endeavour has been made to accurately record the details however if you would like to provide additional images and/or newer information we are pleased to update the details on this site. Please use CONTACT at the top of this page to email us. We appreciate your involvement in recording the history of our area.

 

References:                 Article:      

                                  Image:    3    Google Maps

 


Copyright : Gordon Freegard 2024