Valuable artefacts that help tell the story of Bert Hinkler’s historic aviation feats will be preserved thanks to funding for critical conservation treatment.
Bundaberg Regional Council successfully applied for a Community Heritage Grant from the National Library of Australia for a number of items in the Hinkler Hall of Aviation Memorial Trust Collection to receive specialist treatment.
Panoramic photographs, strip maps and the ‘Mascot Scroll’ are among a total of 22 collection items that will undergo conservation treatment.
Tourism, Airport and Information Technology Services portfolio spokesperson Councillor Steve Cooper said the treatment was the culmination of a multi-year project to assess and care for vulnerable items in the collection.
“Hinkler Hall of Aviation houses a remarkable collection of memorabilia, displays and artefacts from the life of Bundaberg-born aviation hero Bert Hinkler, collected by a dedicated group of locals and aviation enthusiasts and entrusted to the care of Council,” Cr Cooper said.
“Over the past few years, Council has undertaken assessments to determine the items most in need of extra maintenance and attention.
“As custodians of historic items of national significance, it is important we take good care of the collection for future generations.”
The artefacts will go through three levels of treatment, depending on their physical needs, under the care of a professional paper and photographic materials conservator.
Treatments include surface cleaning, flattening, stabilisation of damaged areas and rehousing in archivally safe packaging.
“Once treated, the Mascot Scroll will also be digitised to meet National Archives of Australia standards,” Cr Cooper said.
“The scroll was presented to Hinkler by the people of Mascot Sydney in 1928 when 80,000 people gathered to celebrate his incredible solo flight from England to Australia.
“It represents the pride and admiration Australians felt for Hinkler.”
An archival quality print of the Mascot Scroll will be made for display purposes, allowing the original to be stored safely away from damaging light exposure and humidity.
This third stage of the Community Heritage Grant works follows on from a Significance Assessment in 2022, and a Preservation Needs Assessment in 2023, with treatment of the artefacts to commence in early 2026.
Hinkler Hall of Aviation is open 9 am to 3 pm, seven days a week, closed Christmas Day, Good Friday, Anzac Day and some other public holidays.
Bundaberg Regional Council recognises the work and contribution of the Hinkler House Memorial Museum and Research Association Inc.
