Ballina Australia Day celebrations includes aviation history
The Ballina community is set to witness a special part of Australian aviation and military history this Australia Day with a fly over by Commonwealth aircraft CA-25 “Winjeel”. The fly-by will take place at the official Australia Day celebrations at Ballina Amphitheatre, Missingham Bridge Park next Wednesday, 26 January.
The CA-25 Winjeel (an Aboriginal word meaning “Young Eagle”) was developed by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corp in Melbourne to meet a 1948 RAAF specification for a new trainer. It went into production in 1955 and a total of 64 aircraft were built, including two prototypes. Many aircraft were retired in 1969, with some serving with the RAAF until 1975 and a handful soldiering on right up to 1994.
The Winjeel was used as a training aircraft throughout its service life, teaching generations of pilots basic flight, aerobatics, instrument flight and navigation skills. In later years it played a role in Forward Air Control, marking targets for attack aircraft such as the F-111 and F/A-18. Powered by the esteemed Pratt & Whitney R-985 9-cylinder radial engine of 450HP it is widely regarded as one of the most reliable piston aircraft engines of all time.
The aircraft will be flown by local Ballina pilot Mark Awad, who is passionate about all aspects of aviation but has a particular interest in warbirds such as the CA-25 Winjeel. “I’m incredibly lucky to be able to fly the Winjeel and am excited to share it with our community on Australia Day! It’s a true piece of the country’s history as the last Australian-designed and built aircraft to be flown in service by the RAAF. Nothing compares to the sight, sound, smell, and feel of these old warbirds!” said Mark Awad.
Ballina Australia Day celebrations will be held in the Ballina Amphitheatre grounds from 3.00pm to 8.00pm. Activities will begin with a performance by Ballina Shire Concert Band at 3.00pm, followed by the official ceremony from 4.00pm to 5.30pm. The CA-25 Winjeel is scheduled to fly over between 5.30 and 6.00pm. Soulful singer and local celebrity Lisa Hunt will then perform into the evening until 8.00pm.
Other activities in the park will include the East Ballina Lions Club BBQ and Scope Club of Ballina providing traditional damper; as well as kids face painting, aboriginal art displays and educational marquees.
The community is reminded that Ballina Australia Day is an alcohol free family event.
To find out more log onto www.ballinaaustraliaday.com.au or call the Balllina Visitor Centre on
1800 777 666.
