If that is true then those people may want to consider becoming involved with the Rathmines Catalina Association, whose ongoing work is not likely to come to an end anytime soon.

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“At this point I think we’re looking at a two to three year timeline to deliver this project,” said Association President Bill Anderson.

“By that time I’m sure something else will be on the agenda.”

The project he refers to is the restoration of a PBY-5A Catalina Flying Boat – an 80 year old aquatic plane built for service in the U.S. Navy for World War II.

A massive undertaking, the project began in 2013 when the vessel was located in Puerto Rico and then transported by cargo ship to Australia.

Since that time more than 25000 hours of work have been logged by members and volunteers committed to bringing the magnificent aircraft to its former glory.

The Rathmines Catalina Association was first formed in 1998 as a group of like-minded people, with a shared sense of legacy, committed to preserving the memory of the RAAF base at Rathmines, first commissioned in 1939.

The base was used to house a number of the Catalina-type Flying Boats, and missions such as anti-submarine patrols operated throughout the Second World War.

Bill Anderson said many of the Association members have a strong connection to the Rathmines legacy.

“Quite a few of us had fathers who were stationed on that base, and some of us have memories of growing up there for a time as kids.”

The Association is committed to preserving the history and celebrating the memory of the Catalina squadrons, and has in the past conducted tours of the site and organised memorial festivals.

Their work today, however, is housed in an industrial facility at Beresfield, and it is here that the project, and the Association, has found a renewed sense of purpose and drive.

“Unfortunately we were not able to have a home for ‘Our Girl’ (as they refer to the Catalina) at Rathmines, so there has been a sense of oss when we moved away,” said Bill.

“But since coming out to Beresfield, we have made some great connections, which has given us direction for the project.”

Those connections have involved the RAAF forming a partnership with the Association to support their ongoing restoration, and ultimately offer a permanent home to the Catalina when the work is completed.

“She will be displayed at Fighterword, over at Williamtown.”

Speaking with members of the restoration team, the sense of pride and devotion to the work involved is inspiring.

Everyone acknowledges the hard labour involved, but have found a great sense of community and camaraderie.

Terry Woolard has been a long time member of the Association – one of the few who travelled to San Juan in Puerto Rico to recover the plane in 2013.

In 2022 he took on the role of Project Manager.

“It can be hard finding people with the kinds of metal working experience that we need for this,” said Terry, “but everyone who’s gotten involved has been able to help.”

Leigh Condon and Paul ‘Crash’ Barrett are members who have come to enjoy the company and the fact that there is always something to do.

“For a few of us, I think our wives are happy to be able to get us out of the house for a while,” joked Leigh, “it’s not been the kind of work I made a career out of, but I’ve been able to figure out some new ways to work and get involved.”

For the time being the work continues, but Bill Anderson is quick to assert that there is always a place for more people who want to join in.

“We could always use more metal workers, that’s a lot of what the project needs.

“But everyone is welcome here.

“There’s constantly a new challenge to meet.

“It’s really a rewarding experience.”

For more information about the Rathmines Catalina Association you can visit their website at www.rathmines-catalina.com or contact Bill Anderson on 0418 770 400.

By Lindsay HALL