An iconic piece of Australia’s aviation history, a de Havilland Drover aircraft, is being restored and relocated to the new Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) (Queensland Section) Mount Isa Base and Visitor Experience Centre.
The Drover, which was previously restored in the 1980s by Ben Dannecker using components from two separate aircraft, was perched high in George McCoy Park as a symbol of the Flying Doctor’s life-saving operations across the region.
Now, more than 45 years later, the aircraft has been taken down to receive a new lease on life before it is moved to its new home.
RFDS (Queensland Section) Chief Executive Officer Meredith Staib said the restoration of the Drover will not only preserve a significant chapter of aviation history but will also serve as a reminder of the organisation’s connection to north west Queensland.
“While the Drovers weren’t built in great numbers, they played an important role in regional Queensland and were pivotal to the RFDS in transferring patients across the outback during the 1950s,” Meredith said.
“We are looking forward to bringing this important piece of Mount Isa history back to life and giving it a permanent home at our new Mount Isa Base and Visitor Experience Centre.”
The aircraft was removed from its poles via a crane and relocated to the adjacent RFDS Mount Isa Base, where a temporary workplace has been set up for the restoration works.
Head of Tourism at the RFDS, John Larkin said he was excited to work alongside a local team of contractors including local aircraft engineer Lenita Woodsbey.
“Now that the Drover is in our workshop, we will be able to carry out a full assessment of the repairs required to bring it back to its former glory,” John said.
"A few months ago, we flew a drone over it to take photos, but it really doesn’t tell us what lies ahead.
“There are only a few of these aircraft left in existence, so it is a significant asset to the RFDS and will look spectacular as the gatekeeper to the new Visitor Experience Centre.”
We sincerely appreciate the Mount Isa City Council’s recognition of the Drover as an important part of Mount Isa’s history and the broader legacy of the RFDS (Queensland Section).
We look forward to working collaboratively with the Council and community to bring this restoration project to fruition.
