Two of the Speedhawk team members traveled to Lake Boga on the weekend to witness the grand opening of the new facilities for the Flying Boat Museum. The museum stands on the foreshores of the lake and houses a complete Catalina aircraft which has been restored by the Lake Boga Lions Club members and memorabilia dating back to 1938.
Lake Boga is located 16km South of Swan Hill and was home to the secret RAAF flying boat repair and service depot during World War II. During its operational years the repair depot serviced and restored around 416 aircraft from Australia, the USA and the Dutch Air Forces. Aircraft serviced at the base included not only Catalina's but Walrus, Glen Martin Mariners, Kingfishers and Sunderland.
The proactive local community, clubs and organisations should be congratulated for this remarkable achievement and for preserving this amazing collection of World War II history.
Over a dozen amphibious aircraft made the journey to Lake Boga for the weekend in support of the opening. Aircraft such as Searey's, Lake Buccaneer's, a Birddog on floats, a Husky on floats and a C185 from Melbourne Sea Planes Scenic Flights provided spectacular viewing and joy flights for the local community.
With perfect weather and a great, friendly atmosphere we definitely recommend that if you're in the area to drop by and see this great collection.
