Narromine Aviation Museum

19/05/2026

Thank you to our wonderful volunteers! If you would like to join our team of volunteers, please get in touch by calling 0419 274762.

15/05/2026

"A thoroughly keen and efficient officer"
Vale Ron Leckie, 1922-2026

On Wednesday this week, Ron Harry Leckie was farewelled at the Macquarie Park Crematorium in Sydney at the age of 104.

At the age of 20, Sydney-born Ron decided to forego his job as a shipping clerk to join the wartime RAAF. Training in air navigation, he flew initially with 35 (Transport) Squadron based in Perth. In April 1944 he transferred to 31 Squadron at Coomalie Creek, Darwin, navigating Australian-built Beaufighters on attack missions against Japanese positions to the north. One of the pilots he flew with was the squadron commander, D'Arcy Wentworth. Ron and D'Arcy later married Narromine women: D'Arcy to Alice Trescowthick of "Woodlands", and Ron to Joyce Lloyd of "Ossary" in 1949. Early in the war Joyce had served at RAAF Station Narromine's sick quarters with the Red Cross Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD), before transferring to the Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF).

Post-war, Flight Lieutenant Leckie volunteered to join 93 Squadron RAAF which, after brief combat in Borneo, re-formed at Narromine. Returning to Borneo with the squadron, he flew as navigator in the lead Beaufighter which escorted the Mustang fighters of 77 Squadron RAAF to Japan to join the British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF). After two months away, Ron returned to Narromine with the Beaufighters in April 1946.

About twenty years ago, Ron jotted down some notes about that memorable flight to Japan: “The frustration of delays, the dicey weather (to say that the navigators were unsure of their position in 10/10 cloud would be an understatement), the devastation of Manila and Hiroshima; the quaint village of Bofu (Honshu Island, Japan), the surrounding countryside, and the sullen faces of the Japanese.” In 1977 he returned to the air when he took up the sport of gliding at Narromine.

On Remembrance Day 2004 Ron and Joyce attended a reunion of Narromine's wartime personnel, Ron sharing recollections there with 93 Squadron pilot Bill Hosking. He donated to the museum the fruits of his research into that little-known squadron, along with a 1944 group photograph of the men of 466 (Halifax bomber) Squadron RAAF in England. Commanding Officer of 466 was Ron's brother-in-law, Alan Wharton, who had married Joyce's sister Jean Lloyd. (A third Lloyd sister, Peg, was a volunteer with the museum).

Ron's logbook pages detailing his 1946 flight to Japan are displayed in the museum's 93 Squadron display. The 466 Squadron photo, along with Alan Wharton's logbook (also donated by Ron), are in our RAAF flying training display.

Ron was not only "thoroughly keen and efficient" as his RAAF assessment testified; he was also a thoroughly pleasant, intelligent and humble man.

20/04/2026

We are celebrating another milestone event out at the museum today…our long time committee member and volunteer Bob Richardson is celebrating his 90th birthday. Happy birthday Bob and thank you for all you do/have done at the museum over the years. Photo taken of Bob with his wife Jean at yesterdays celebration at the Aero Club 🎉🎉

08/04/2026

The skies above Narromine are set to come alive next week as the Narromine Aero Club hosts the Australian Aerobatic Club NSW Championships! ✈️

Bring the kids out from Thursday to Saturday to experience the thrill of high-flying aerobatics and an unforgettable atmosphere.
While you're out here, don’t miss the chance to visit the Narromine Aviation Museum and explore Narromine’s rich aviation history, a perfect way to round out a great family day out!!

The bar will be open from 4.30pm on Thursday and Friday and the bistro from 6.00pm Friday.

28/03/2026

Wishing all our volunteers, members and friends a happy and safe Easter. We will be open over the Easter period with the exception of Good Friday! 🐣🛩️ We hope to see you out here over the holidays!

25/02/2026

Congratulations to our wonderful volunteer Col, and his beautiful wife Pat, who are celebrating an incredible 60th wedding anniversary today! 💍

Sixty years of love, commitment, and shared memories is something truly worth celebrating. We are so grateful for everything Col brings to the museum, and today we celebrate not only his dedication to us, but the amazing life he and Pat have built together.

If you're looking for something to do today, why not pop into the museum, enjoy a look around, and take a moment to wish Col a very happy 60th wedding anniversary!

Here’s to love, laughter, and a lifetime of memories, congratulations Col and Pat! 🥂✨

10/02/2026

It was great to show some of the members of Sport Aircraft Association of Australia and Freedom Formation Display Team through the museum this morning. They have been in town over the past 5 days undertaking a training session. Thanks for popping in to visit gentlemen. ✈️🛩️

27/01/2026

Thank you Dawn for showing Susie through our wonderful museum. Make sure you all click on the link below to listen to the podcast…Beyond the Great Divide.

🎙️| Tune In
Narromine locals and visitors alike are invited to listen to a very special episode of Beyond the Great Divide featuring Narromine’s 2026 Australia Day Ambassador – the exceptional Susie Elelman AM.

Joined by host Adam Walters, Susie celebrates true Aussie spirit, right here in the heart of the Narromine and the Great Western Plains. This episode shines a spotlight on Narromine’s proud aviation history - from our crucial role in the World War II effort to our legendary airfield that has become a favourite of iconic aviators.

It’s a powerful, feel-good listen that captures the spirit, resilience and stories that make Narromine so special.

Don’t miss it - settle in, turn it up and tune into Beyond the Great Divide https://bit.ly/4q2uMr5

Visit the Narromine Region, it's worth the drive 🚗
Visit Narromine Region Visit Dubbo + Great Western Plains Destination NSW Narromine Business Collective Narromine Aviation Museum

25/01/2026

CONGRATULATIONS NAM Committee member, Margie Collins 🎉🎉🎉🎉

Margie Collins is truly deserving of this recognition Narromine's Citizen of the Year 2026. Her lifelong dedication to caring for others, her leadership across multiple community organisations and her unwavering compassion embody the very spirit of Narromine.

Margie’s combination of skill, knowledge, enthusiasm, and generosity has made her an invaluable member of our community. She leads by example - quietly giving her time, energy, and heart to help others. Her continued service, even in retirement, is an inspiration to all who know her.

25/01/2026

Gabby is a dedicated volunteer at the Narromine Aviation Museum, where she brings the rich aviation history of Narromine to life for children, particularly through the January school holiday programs. She enthusiastically dresses in aviation-themed costumes and hosts “Storytime with Gabby,” delighting children from across the shire. She has also introduced a range of creative initiatives to encourage family engagement with the museum, including colouring-in competitions, scavenger hunts, paper plane flying competitions, and aviation-themed movie sessions, all delivered with infectious enthusiasm and a constant smile.

Gabby’s special connection with children, her tireless volunteer efforts, and her genuine passion for enriching young lives make her an outstanding role model and a truly deserving recipient of the Children’s Champion Award in the Narromine Shire Council Australia Day Awards.

On behalf of the Narromine Aviation Museum Committee and Volunteers congratulations Gabby and thank you for all you do.

20/01/2026