Adjournment – Maryborough Military Aviation Museum Association – Speech in the Federation Chamber 13/08/2026

Mr LLEW O’BRIEN (Wide Bay) (12:12): Our nation’s military history deserves to be commemorated, understood and passed on to future generations. That is why I support the Maryborough Military Aviation Museum Association’s application for funding under the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants program. This project is about more than preserving artefacts; it will bring history to life. The association proposes to transform their Maryborough airport museum into a regional centre for heritage education, allowing visitors to engage deeply with the stories of those who served and creating a lasting legacy of the men and women who trained and worked at RAAF Station Maryborough.

During World War II, almost 4,000 men and women trained or were on staff at the RAAF Station Maryborough No. 3 Wireless Air Gunners’ School and 569 lost their lives during their World War II service. Their service helped shape our nation’s future, and their history must be remembered. Led by Jenny Elliott, the association’s volunteers have worked to preserve and share Maryborough’s remarkable military aviation history, and I’ve been a keen supporter of them since I was elected. This project will provide a lasting investment in remembrance and education, enhancing Maryborough’s reputation as a city that honours, preserves and commemorates its unique contribution to Australia’s wartime service.