Date: August 19th 2011

Nhill’s Aeradio Facility Explained

 Nhill’s Aeradio Station is known by most Nhill people as the Apex Clubrooms on the western boundary of the Aerodrome. It came close to being demolished some years ago but survived because of its use by Apex.

Roger Meyer, President of the Civil Aviation Historical Society, addressed about 45 local residents at a public meeting hosted by the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre Board of Management. Roger referred to the Nhill Aeradio Station as one of the most intact in Australia and suggested that the Nhill community should consider applying for Heritage Listing of the site. (Aeradio is a shortened version of aerodrome radio)

Fifteen Aeradio Stations were built throughout Australia during 1937 and 1938 as a response by the Australian Federal Government to the increasing need for improved communication and guidance systems to increase safety for the rapidly developing aviation industry. Although the Apex Clubroom building is the most significant structure still standing, the complex was much larger than that. It included a Power House with two large generators; the small red brick building was part of the Lorenze Tower, an important guidance system; two tall radio masts stood on either side of the Aeradio building and a large searchlight was used as part of the weather recording system. Further to the north on Wheeler’s Hill stood two 25 metre towers and what was at the time a local icon, the rotating beacon. 

These fully integrated Aeradio Systems operated for about 35 years in Australia before they became obsolete and were decommissioned. Many sites were completely cleared and now only a few isolated examples exist. During an inspection of Nhill’s Aeradio facility Roger Meyer was pleased to see that remnants of almost all of the various structures still exist. He expressed the view that preservation of the site was important because it represents a period of aviation history that is difficult to see anywhere else in Australia.

New Aeradio Building 1938 This photograph appears to have been taken on a day when the building was open to the public. A radio mast in the foreground appears to be ready for installation. The door and stairs were later removed from the rear of the building. Nhill Historical Society Photo

Lorenz Tower 1938 This photograph, taken on the same day as above, shows the Lorenz Radio Range Beacon (not to be confused with the rotating light known locally as 'The Beacon). The Lorenz System, made up of 19 beacons Australia -wide at the peak in the 1950s, was the first operational VHF Radio directional network in the world. The tower in this picture was made from steel which proved to be unsuitable because of electrical interference. It was replaced by a wooden tower built directly over the small red brick building which housed the radio equipment. The steel tower was dismantled by local contractors, one of whom was killed and two injured during a scaffold accident. The small red brick building is still intact but could certainly do with some attention. Nhill Historical Society Photo

Memberships for the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre Inc.

are due for the current financial year: 1/7/2011 – 30/6/2012.

Your support for this community organisation is highly valued and assists the Management Committee to continue with the projects aimed at preserving the aviation heritage of Nhill and District. 

The $30.00 membership is now due and payable. 

Electronically to Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre Inc. National Australia Bank

BSB no. 083-752 Account No. 83325 – 2480 

OR BY Cheque payable to NAHC Inc. PO Box 42 Nhill Vic 3418.

Membership of the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre.

This newsletter is free to anyone interested in the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre and any of its projects. However, this newsletter is also the only way the committee has of easily sending reminders to those who wish to support our cause by being a member.

Memberships run for a financial year and are $30 per person. Payment can be made by cheque, money order or internet transfer. Confirmation of payment will only be made if an email address is included with payment or if a notice of payment is made by email to the treasurer: treasurer@nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au

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This newsletter is free. However, support for this important historical project is greatly appreciated and comes in many forms including phone numbers and email addresses, contact details of former WWII trainees, parts for the Avro Anson and general memorabilia, photos etc. as well as donations of cash and labour. Although it is our intention to recognise and acknowledge this assistance through the newsletter, specific details will not be published.

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Persons who wish to make comment about the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre or any other related issue should also contact admin@nhillaviaitionheritagecentre.com.au. Such comments may be published in future newsletters if considered appropriate.

Westprint.

John Deckert uses the resources of Westprint to produce this newsletter. This not only includes computers and the internet but also associated software. Some of this software is licensed to Westprint and is the reason for the information below. The Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre Board wish to thank Westprint for the use of their facilities, equipment and expertise.