The Hinkler Hall of Aviation will soon be packed to the rafters with many unique items of memorabilia as part of the Bert: Out of the Archive exhibition.
To go on display from 28 April, the exhibition features items in the Hinkler Hall of Aviation Memorabilia Trust collection including never before seen images, personal letters and objects that help to further illuminate the extraordinary achievements of Bert Hinkler.
Collection items have been acquired since 1983 when the Hinkler House Memorial Museum and Research Association was formed.
Items are from various sources, including direct family members, Bert Hinkler memorabilia collectors and aviation enthusiasts from all over the world.
Curator Trudi Leigo worked alongside the Hinkler Hall of Aviation team to research and collect objects, letters and photographs that have not been displayed publicly for some time or, in some cases, ever at all.
“Many of the photographs, and personal letters that will be going on display have been donated by those closest to Bert,” she said.
“His sister Queenie Palm, as well as some of Bert’s childhood and lifelong friends from Bundaberg, such as Charlie Laffan and Joe Marks.
“Because of these close connections, we get to see a very personal side to Bert”.
Trudi said that there were some very special pieces going on display and encouraged the community not to miss out on the chance to view them.
“As Bundaberg locals, many of us can take Bert Hinkler and his story for granted,” she said.
“But he really was a remarkable man, and this exhibition allows us an opportunity to get to know Bert a little more personally and understand just how far reaching his popularity was during the 1920s and 1930s”.
Exhibition details
Where: Hinkler Hall of Aviation, Bundaberg Botanic Gardens
Dates: 28 April – 23 July 2023
Cost: Free
Phone: 07 4130 4400
