About Us

About Us

The Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre highlights a century of aviation at Nhill, with special emphasis on the RAAF presence during World War II. Located at the aerodrome just north of the township, it's a must-see for aviation enthusiasts and for those wanting to learn more about Australia's wartime history. Volunteers have worked tirelessly for more than a decade to restore an Avro Anson and a 1940s Link Trainer flight simulator. In 2018, a Wirraway was added to the line-up, along with a privately-owned Tiger Moth and a 1930s deSoutter.

The Heritage Centre includes photos, memorabilia, and a Memorial Walk that captures life at a time when more than 10,000 RAAF Trainees passed through the Nhill Base from 1941–1946. Stories of famous aviators who have visited Nhill, and past Air Shows, add to the experience.   

We are a not-for-profit organisation, run by a team of more than 40 volunteers. These include board members, weekend tour guides, restoration and maintenance workers, and many more taking on roles for events such as airshows and special displays. 

Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre was established in 2009 with the following aims:

• To highlight the significant role of aviation in the history and ongoing development of Nhill.
• To research and record the history of the RAAF Air School in Nhill from 1941–1946, as well as Nhill's broader aviation history.
• To collect Air School artefacts to display in secure premises.
• To acquire and restore an Avro Anson aeroplane, leaving it as a legacy to this and future generations.

We are open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-4pm, as well as public holidays. We can also arrange visits during the week, and group tours, by appointment. We are excited to welcome visitors and we offer free RV camping on site for you to enjoy during your stay in Nhill.

A Brief History of the NAHC

2008 NOV... A board is elected to form NAHC at a public meeting. 
2009 MAR... Remains of an Avro Anson fuselage brought to Nhill.                                          Restoration begins in Mike Kingwill’s workshop.
2009 OCT...   NAHC organises its first fly-in.
2011 AUG... Restoration begins on Aeradio building.
2011 DEC... Flight Office is re-roofed and its interior is rebuilt.
2012 OCT...  NAHC organises its second fly-in. 
2013 JUL... Construction starts on new Heritage Centre.
2014 MAY... Ahrens Hangar at the Heritage Centre opened.
2013 MAR... Neil Thomas begins restoration of Link Trainers. 
2014 FEB... Avro Anson is relocated into the Ahrens Hangar.
2014 SEP... The first Avro Anson engine is started.
2015 OCT... First Nhill Air Show is held, with 170 aircraft, 5,000 people.
2017 JUN... Military Vehicle Event is held.
2017 NOV... Len Creek’s Tiger Moth is added to the display.
2018 MAR... ‘Wheels for the Wirraway’ event is held.
2018 APR... Wirraway flies from Tyabb to its permanent home at NAHC.
2019 NOV...  Second Nhill Air Show is held, 2,800 attend.
2020 JUN... Restoration of the Link Trainers is completed.


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