RAAF ASSOCIATION AVIATION HERITAGE MUSEUM
The Aviation Heritage Museum of Western Australia, the Bull Creek Collection, is owned and operated by the Western Australian Division of the RAAF Association. The beginnings of the museum date from the late 1950s when the Association acquired a late mark Spitfire to serve as the centrepiece for its commemorative activities. In the early 1960s the Association also acquired a Lancaster bomber as a reminder of the activities of its members who flew over Europe during World War II.
During the 1960s the Association collected other aviation
heritage memorabilia including books and photographs. By 1970 the informal collection had
grown to such a size that the Association began planning a museum to house it all. The
Aviation Historical Group of the Association was formed to look after and extend the
collection and it was active throughout the decade in collecting, restoring and displaying
aeroplanes and other aviation heritage artefacts.
In 1971 the Association began developing its Memorial Estate at Bull Creek to provide accommodation for its members and associates in their later years. A site was set aside on the estate for an aviation museum. In 1979 the Western Australian government granted the Association $100 000 to construct a museum building and it was opened on 17 November 1979.
That building was sufficient to house most of the Museum's
smaller aeroplanes but not the Lancaster and the recently acquired Douglas Dakota. The
RAAF Association raised more money and constructed a new and larger building behind the
first one to house these very large exhibits. It was opened on 17 December 1983.
Since then further facilities have been added to the Museum and many more items have been donated to its collection.
ROLE
The Aviation Heritage Museum of Western Australia has five main roles.
Preservation and Conservation
The Museum was created to preserve and give a home to the aeroplanes and other artefacts which make up Western Australia's aviation heritage. They make up the Bull Creek Collection.
Commemoration
The Museum is the focus for many RAAF Association commemoration activities and some displays commemorate the achievements and sacrifice of Air Force personnel in war and peace. The Spitfire replica mounted at the entrance to the Memorial Estate and in front of the Museum is a symbol of this commemorative role.
Education
The Museum's displays help to tell the story of our aviation history and heritage. In addition, the Museum caters specially for school groups with tours and in-service courses for teachers.
Research
The Museum has built up an extensive collection of documentary, photographic and other research resources. They are used by Museum staff in preparing displays and publications and are available to anyone interested in researching aviation history.
Public Service
The Museum encourages the public to use its facilities. It is an interesting place for tourists to visit and is available for special functions such as receptions and official launches.