Where are you from and give us a little background about you and where you grew up?

I am from a town south west of Sydney called Ingleburn. I grew up on a working farm with milking cows, chooks, ducks, horses, poultry, dogs, citrus trees, vegetables, ploughed fields and crops. 

My secondary education was completed at Ingleburn High.

What did you want to be when you grew up and what did you become?

I left school in year 10, 1972.  I wanted to be in the construction industry, specifically the metals industry.  Due to a downturn in these industries at the time, I accepted a trial at AC McGraths at Liverpool which was a large GMH Dealership in the trade at that time as a “coach painter”.  Today in the trade, this is known as “Vehicle Painting”.  I accepted the apprenticeship offer in 1973 and started on this amazing journey that has taken me to the top of the trade.  Studying at Granville TAFE College for three years, I decided to do the advanced courses at night and when I graduated in the top 10 in the state, I also had three advanced courses under my belt which paid dividends throughout my working career.  In 1982, I was successful in gaining a part time teaching position at Liverpool TAFE College, which started me in a new career direction as a Vehicle Painting Teacher whilst still active in the industry.  At that time it was contracting at Bankstown Airport.  I gained the ‘full time’ position in 1984, moving up to Lake Macquarie in 1985.  Here I began at a new college, Glendale TAFE and studied at Newcastle College of Advanced Education ‘Newcastle University’ gaining top results once completed.  I then spent the next 33 years there gaining a lot more qualifications and diversity within the teaching role.  

How did you come to be involved in the Rathmines Catalina Memorial Park Association?

On retirement I did not want to just stop, I wanted to keep my skill sets active and still be involved within the industry.  I heard of the Catalina arriving at Lake Macquarie and after meeting one day with Terry Woolard, I decided to take a look.  I could see at once that the team needed someone that could take on the role of the painter and also could see that the project needed industry support.    

What role do you play in the RCMPA and what are the benefits of belonging to this organisation?

So my role is all the blasting, preparing and the coating of all components of the Catalina.  With my industry contacts from my career in TAFE, I approached several large companies, all of which were willing to support this valuable community project. ‘Valspar Paints’ now a ‘Sherwin-Williams Company’ has donated all of the coatings required including researching the colours of the ‘period’. ‘Anest Iwata’ came on board for the spray equipment required donating spray guns, air lines, breathing equipment and with their other company ‘Broadbent Compressors’ donated a large industrial ‘screw compressor and storage tank’.  ‘Autolac’ has donated all consumables required for the preparation of the project.

So the benefit for me personally was to be involved in a ‘worthy community project’.  It gave me the opportunity to keep my skillset and my passion for the coatings industry going.  My mental and physical heath is maintained by mixing with and enjoying the company of other volunteers from all facets of industries.  To see their skill sets in operation, the learning and understanding of these new skills and the professional approach of these volunteers for the completion of this project is inspiring.

What do you do in your spare time and what are your hobbies?

I enjoy all types of motor sports - if it has an engine I’m there.  My personal passion is off-road motor cycling from trail riding, endurance riding, moto x, adventure riding and vintage enduro riding with my vintage dirt bikes.   I enjoy 

airbrushing and restoring things; I love exploring the outdoors in our 4wd and camping.  I am a master Scuba Diver so I enjoy the underwater world, and of course spending time with my family and grandchildren.  

Where is your favourite place to visit, in both Australia and the World?

I enjoy all that Australia has to offer.  I love the coastal regions and the mountains, and the south coast of NSW is very special.  Overseas, well NZ is  amazing, the country, the people, the scenery, the extreme sports and the road and off-road riding is second to none.  Bermuda is another very special place in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean that takes my heart, as we have family there as with Canada. India, Nepal, and all of the Asian belt is fantastic.  The Solomon Islands, the people, the scenery and the diving generally, let alone on the sunken WW2 wrecks, is a very special place for me.       

 

Rod Mellor

Where are you from and give us a little background about you and where you grew up?

Born and bred in Sydney but spent time in Brisbane & Melbourne with various career moves. Moved back to Sydney in the late 80s. On retirement after a couple of extended trips we decided to relocate from Sydney to Lake Macquarie as we were keen sailors and thought the lifestyle would better suit.

 What did you want to be when you grew up and what did you become?

No idea what I wanted to do but ended up joining CSR as an accounting cadet and followed through on that career for many years where it gradually evolved into computer specific activities within the organisation. CSR sold their Timber division where I was working, and I went with the new owner until retirement in 2018. 

 How did you come to be involved in the Rathmines Catalina Memorial Park Association?

In the 90’s we had a trailer sailer which we regularly launched from Styles Point at Rathmines so always had a passing interest in the RAAF base remnants. I also noticed the Catalina in Ridge Road and when I saw a neighbour (Bill) on TV talking about the Catalina and future housing plans my interest was ignited and I spoke to Bill directly. A tour of the works had me hooked. 

 What role do you play in the RCMPA and what are the benefits of belonging to this organisation?

I currently look after the grounds at the Rathmines Memorial Park and now the new site at Beresfield. On top of that I undertake non-technical work on the restoration effort, recently paint removal and other cleaning activities. The benefits are the physical activity (no need to join a gym) and associating with a group with a common worthwhile aim.

 What do you do in your spare time and what are your hobbies?

Gardening seems to feature as well as bush care with the Coal Point Progress Association. Long-time yachties but the sale of our yacht a few years ago has curbed that activity.

Where is your favourite place to visit, in both Australia and the World?

Now caravanners as well so our favourite spot is our next destination.

Henke Brandse 

Where are you from and give us a little background about you and where you grew up?

My family, Mum and Dad, my two sisters and a brother immigrated from the Netherlands in 1955. I was 8 at the time and the experience of travelling on a ship to a new country was exciting.

Dad was a coal miner and had decided that a better working and family life was available in Australia. Upon arrival in Sydney, we spent several weeks in migrant camps and finally were moved to a migrant camp at Mayfield West.

Dad obtained a job at Comm Steel and our lives began to stabilise. I attended school in the Lake Mac area, secondary years were spent at Cardiff High. I still had some language issues at age 16 but was successful in getting an apprenticeship as a boiler maker with BHP.

 What did you want to be when you grew up and what did you become?

I completed that apprenticeship and stayed in the trade for several years.  The RAAF had my attention and at age 30, I applied and commenced a career as an Aircraft Structural Fitter.  Over the years I have been based at RAAF stations across Australia (Williamtown, Richmond, Edinburgh and Pearce).

During this time I did work with Australian Aerospace on Lockheed Orions.

I retired in 1999 with the rank of Warrant Officer.

 How did you come to be involved in the Rathmines Catalina Memorial Park Association?

Word of mouth!    Simple as that.

What role do you play in the RCMPA and what are the benefits of belonging to this organisation?

It is a great team and as part of the group I am  able to use my experience working on the centre wing of the aircraft. There is also satisfaction in passing on my knowledge to other volunteers.

I do enjoy making a positive contribution and working in an  environment of good camaraderie…a sense of achievement if you like.

What do you do in your spare time and what are your hobbies?

My wife and I have 4 children, 2 girls and 2 boys…a couple of them have located to WA and this means a spot of travel to see them. One of the girls joined the RAAF and is based in Canberra. One of the boys is close by and I help him around his house. I also enjoy our own home garden.

Where is your favourite place to visit, in both Australia and the World?

We do not have any ‘favourite places’, but enjoy the Lake and family.

Matt Butler

  

Where are you from and give us a little background about you and where you grew up?

I was born in Ireland and grew up in the small town of Munney Gorey, in the County of Wexford.  Then went on to Carnew Technical College and some of my studies were based around science, English and languages / Spanish and Gaelic.  I also played Gaelic football.

What did you want to be when you grew up and what did you become?

As a young boy I always wanted to be a pilot, but eventually I joined the Irish Army and spent four years there on ‘special services’.  A posting to Europe was great for a young man and then I emigrated to Australia in 1973 (on my own).  I celebrated my 21st birthday shortly after arriving in Sydney.

How did you come to be involved in the Rathmines Catalina Memorial Park Association? 

I became involved with the RCMPA through an inquiry my wife made.  The interest in aviation has always remained with me and so I joined as a volunteer.

What role do you play in the RCMPA and what are the benefits of belonging to this organisation?

My role at present is helping to repair the centre wing section.  My passion for anything that flies means that I am getting great satisfaction from this volunteer work.

What do you do in your spare time and what are your hobbies?

My spare time is mostly involved in helping my children, but my greatest hobby would be my vegetable gardens.  I grow all sorts of veggies… potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers but not carrots!  There is time for an occasional game of golf.

Where is your favourite place to visit, in both Australia and the World?

We have an RV and in the course of our travels I would say that Tasmania is the favourite destination and of course Ireland when we can.

David Austin

      

Where are you from and give us a little background about you and where you grew up?

I grew up in Unanderra, a suburb of Wollongong. Went to Farmborough Road Primary and Dapto High School. Started work as a Fitter and Turner and furthered my education, completing a Certificate course in Mechanical Engineering. At 25yrs old we had a young family and moved to the Central Coast where my wife Sandy & I currently live. Our daughter and son are both married and we have six grandsons aged from 6 to 28 years.

What did you want to be when you grew up and what did you become?

I wanted to be a draughtsman with the then Department of Main Roads.  They were only taking 6th form students so I went with the Fitter and Turner option to Engineering, which lead me to become a draughtsman with an underground mining company.  From there I worked with four other mining companies, ending as Senior Design Engineer.  I then moved to a Structural Steel Fabrication and Erecting company as Estimating, Production and Project Manager.

How did you come to be involved in the Rathmines Catalina Memorial Park Association?

I went to the Rathmines Catalina Festival, there were some RCMPA people there whom I talked to, they were restoring a Catalina.  I've been retired for a couple of years and thought with my background and my love of flying I could help out.

What role do you play in the RCMPA and what are the benefits of belonging to this organisation?

 My role at the moment is helping a team of guys repairing the centre wing.  This involves the removal of the corroded aluminium airframe structure and sheeting then replacing with new components.  This process requires learning how to rivet.  Under advice from Steve, Hank and Crash I think we are getting the hang of it.  The benefits other than working with a great bunch of like-minded guys, are that we will end up with a beautiful looking Catalina to be displayed for all to see.

What do you do in your spare time and what are your hobbies?

Since my retirement, I enjoy lawn bowling, some painting, line dancing, Tai Chi, and star gazing with my 10” Dobsonian telescope.  My main hobby is flying on my home flight simulator and I fly online with a lot of different groups, mainly VFR, all over the world.  Enjoy going camping with the younger grand kids and family outings.

Where is your favourite place to visit, in both Australia and the World?

We enjoy going down to the Snowy to ski and staying at Bright.  Our 25yrs in the 4WD Club has taken us on some great off-road trips.  Overseas we've been to both sides and the canyons of the USA.  Both sides of Canada, travelled parts of Europe and the Mediterranean, but our favourite place would be cruising around the Hawaiian Islands.  Still have a lot on our bucket list to do.

Wayne Boyd

     

Where are you from and give us a little background about you and where you grew up?

I was originally from Kingsgrove, a suburb of Sydney.  We moved to Newcastle in 1965 when my father was posted there during is Army service.  We lived in the Grand Hotel for five years and then moved to Adamstown Heights. 

My secondary schooling was at St Pius X college, before joining the Army in 1972.

What did you want to be when you grew up and what did you become?

I had always wanted to follow in the footsteps of my Uncle and be a pilot with the RAAF.  Regrettably I did not have what was required and the Amy became my focus, joining the Royal Australian Engineers.  I served with them for 15 years before commencing employment with the Newcastle Council, spending 18 years with them.

  How did you come to be involved in the Rathmines Catalina Memorial Park Association?

My wife and I built a house at Rathmines and for many years a Black Catalina would be observed flying over head.  I thought I better investigate this!

What role do you play in the RCMPA and what are the benefits of belonging to this organisation?

At the beginning I was the rip tear bloke and also the cleaner.  More recently I am cataloguing parts 

What do you do in your spare time and what are your hobbies?

I really enjoy collecting and restoring fountain pens.

 Where is your favourite place to visit, in both Australia and the World?

We have been to most places in the world and I can say that Tasmania is brilliant

Dave Pickard

     

Where are you from and give us a little background about you and where you grew up?

I was born in March 1954 at our family home in Wythenshawe, Manchester UK.  I was the middle child of five boys and we spent a lot of time playing in the open fields and woods near home.  Manchester airport was about five miles away and I recall enjoying watching the aircraft flying overhead.

What did you want to be when you grew up and what did you become?

Woodwork was a favourite subject and I had an aptitude for it and elected to leave school at 16 to become an apprentice carpenter and joiner.  After three years I left and joined the RAF and was mustered as Aircraft Mechanic Electrical.   After 12 years service I resigned and emigrated to Australia commencing work with Kodak, staying with them for 26 years with my latter period as a Service Engineer on high production printers.

How did you come to be involved in the Rathmines Catalina Memorial Park Association?

I was having lunch at the Rathmines Bowling Club and while chatting with the staff I expressed some interest in the history of the Club…it was the former Officers Mess when the Base was active in WW11.

The staff put me in touch with Bill and an hour later we met at the Memorial.  I loved the idea of working on the Catalina restoration and joined up immediately.

What role do you play in the RCMPA and what are the benefits of belonging to this organisation?

As there are no electrical parts left in the aircraft, I have turned my hand to the airframe work.  Cleaning and grinding the original paint off the aircraft and many of the components are a major part of my work.  A great and interesting bunch of blokes and a strong feeling of doing something worthwhile keep me coming back for more.

What do you do in your spare time and what are your hobbies?

Spare time?  Who has spare time when you’re retired!  Besides ‘Our Girl’ I help out  with a land reclamation group at Morisset Park.  I travel to Penrith to see my grandkids, catch up with my theatre group and go to watch Western Sydney Wanderers.  I go fishing with my brother-in-law when I can and the rest of the time I carry out duties as apportioned to me by the House Leader.  Other than all that I just sit around and relax.

Where is your favourite place to visit, in both Australia and the World?

I like the odd trip to Canberra to visit the War Memorial and Museum.  Having only moved to Lake Macquarie two years ago I am still enjoying finding new spots around the Lake.

In the world at large I look forward to trips back to Manchester to catch up with family.  But the best way to see the world is off the back deck of a cruise ship and my wife and I have enjoyed a couple of cruises to New Zealand and a few Pacific Islands

Steve Wenban

Where are you from and give us a little background about you and where you grew up?

I grew up in the western Sydney suburb of Chester Hill and attended the Chester Hill high school.

What did you want to be when you grew up and what did you become?

All I ever wanted to be was someone who worked on aeroplanes. I spent many hours around Bankstown Airport and other smaller airports. I completed appropriate trade courses to became a qualified aircraft sheet metal worker and have worked at Hawker De Havilland and Boeing.

How did you come to be involved in the Rathmines Catalina Memorial Park Association?

My wife saw and article in the newspaper about the Catalina restoration.  We live close by, I was retired and had previous experience in this sort of work.  My trade skills were a natural fit so I joined up. 

What role do you play in the RCMPA and what are the benefits of belonging to this organisation?

The volunteer group have many and varied skills, but only a few of us have sheet metal experience.  My main task is cutting out corrosion and replacing the areas with new sheets of aluminium.  I also offer advice on the best repair options.

It is great getting together each week to work on the aircraft, keep my skill sets active and I enjoy the company of like minded fellows, particularly two ex defence guys.  Chris, Paul and I work on the fuselage primarily, we make up a great team. 

What do you do in your spare time and what are your hobbies?

Since the age of nine, I have been a keen aero modeller and that continues to be the case, building flying models from three view drawings.

Another interest is the annual organising of a flying event at Mount Borah (near Manilla, NSW).  The event has been running for 12 years and has competitors from overseas as well as local folk.

Where is your favourite place to visit, in both Australia and the World?

Basically I am still a country boy and really enjoy the Mount Borah trips.  Overseas it is a hard choice between Wales (UK) and California (USA).

Chris Carroll

Where are you from and give us a little background about yourself and where you grew up?

I grew up in Brisbane, attended the Kelvin Grove High School. I joined the Army at the age of 20 and retired after 30 years of active service.  This period included deployments to East Timor as an S4 (Senior Maintenance Manager), Afghanistan with the rank of ASM (Artificer Sargeant Major responsible for maintenance of a huge range of equipment), and also the Middle East where I acted in a liaison capacity between the military suppliers and Coalition partners for anything from general maintenance items to specialist equipment including tyres for the Bushmaster fleet in the theatre of operation.

Apart from the above, most of my life has been spent on the eastern side of Australia.

What did you want to be when you grew up and what did you become?

I do not recall any real ambitions as a child, but did complete a panel beating apprenticeship before joining the Army.  When I retired I held the rank of Warrant Officer Class 1.

How did you come to be involved in the Rathmines Catalina Memorial Park Association?

A good friend told me about the project.

What role do you play in the RCMPA and what are the benefits of belonging to this organisation?

Mainly as an aircraft metal worker…I benefited from considerable training in this area during my Army service.   I enjoy the work as it keeps me thinking.

What do you do in your spare time and what are your hobbies?

Fishing and home renovations. Also, we have just purchased a 28foot cruiser and are looking forward to exploring the lake and surrounds this summer.

Where is your favourite place to visit, in both Australia and the World?

I do enjoy travel, but do not have any real favourites.

Where are you from and give us a little background about you and where you grew up?

Originally a Westy from Sydney…then North Rocks, amongst poultry farms, tennis courts, with extended family, big backyards and speedway tracks.

What did you want to be when you grew up and what did you become?

A trade background was always on the cards, ended up 40 years with NSW Railways-electrical background and postings at Redfern, Enfield, Goulburn, Albury, Hamilton and Morisset.

How did you come to be involved in the Rathmines Catalina Memorial Park Association?

Listening to locals like Vernon Hiles and Pat Henry tell stories of the Catalina Base at Rathmines and realising how many have a connection with the Base. It was an easy choice to join the RCMPA.

What role do you play in the RCMPA and what are the benefits of belonging to this organisation?

From infrastructure maintenance and restoration site improvements. Then Catalina panel fabrication and installation. A great volunteer team to be part of, with a common goal to present a restored Catalina to the public at a Rathmines museum.

Where are you from and give us a little background about you and where you grew up?

Born in Cessnock and went to school there until age 16, then moved to Singleton for the next 15 years and finally moved to Morisset Park in 1982. 

What did you want to be when you grew up and what did you become?

After leaving school I started working in the coal mines as an apprentice Fitter and Turner, then progressed to Mechanical Engineer.

How did you come to be involved in the Rathmines Catalina Memorial Park Association?

I knew someone already involved in the Catalina and offered to help on the project, to see it completed.

Where is your favourite place to visit, in both Australia and the World?

My favourite places to visit are anywhere in Australia and overseas, Europe, UK, Canada, Alaska and the Pacific Islands.

What do you do in your spare time and what are your hobbies?

We like caravanning, fishing and I like to surf. We have our own caravan and enjoy trips around coastal NSW and Victoria…somewhat curtailed at present!

What role do you play in the RCMPA and what are the benefits of belonging to this organisation?

Mainly work on a range of mechanical projects, but I have also been involved with setting up the aircraft walkway access and weather protection covers.  More recently I have helped in removing a range of internal components for cleaning and refurbishment.  In 2019 I was part of a small team that removed the undercarriage assemblies.  These have now been cleaned and painted and we are now ready to reinstall them.

I enjoy the company of the other volunteers and giving time to a worthwhile project.