The Mia Mia Community came together to support this project in many different ways. One aspect of the Memorial Dedication day that impressed visitors and locals alike was the generosity displayed in the provision of the refreshments after the service.
Of particular note was the wonderful decorated cake provided for the celebrations – thank you, Jodie! The Cake was ceremonially cut by Rob Chapman, chair of the Stinson Memorial Sub Committee, and was enjoyed by all present.
Welcomed to Country at the confluence of many significant aspects of Australia’s past, present and future by Justice Howard Nathan, about 120 people witnessed the dedication of the Stinson Memorial.
This morning’s ceremony was well attended by relatives, guests and the Mia Mia & Redesdale Communities. Guests included representatives from the Office of Lisa Chester M.P., Councillors and staff from the Shire of Mitchell, Kyneton RSL, Kyneton Aero Club and Civil Aviation Historical Society.
Relatives included members of the families of passengers Kerr, Lawn, Richardson and Tayleur. From within the local community present were witnesses to the event, many of whom were first on the scene or involved in the aftermath of the crash.
The ceremony included a flypast by Kyneton Aero Club members. The unveiling of the Memorial plaque was conducted by Bryan Kerr after which Bryan spoke on behalf of the relatives. For Bryan, this was a particularly poignant event as he was supposed to have been a passenger on this flight.
A number of wreaths were laid by family, Kyneton RSL, Australian Defence Association and the Mia Mia & Redesdale Communities.
The support and assistance of the Mia Mia C.F.A., St John Ambulance and the Mia Mia Mechanics Institute Hall Committee made today’s ceremony a fantastic event for all concerned.
Weather permitting, the Memorial Dedication ceremony will take place on Friday 31 January, 2020. Guests attending are asked to indication their intention to attend via The Stinson Memorial Event page on Facebook or by sending us an email via the “Contact” page on this website.
You are requested to arrive from 9.00am and to be seated by 9.30am. The Ceremony will also include a flypast by members of the Kyneton Aero Club – so we will need to be running to time!
A Reception and morning tea (and other refreshments) will be available for all guests at the Mia Mia Mechanics Institute Hall following the Ceremony. This will be a great opportunity to meet with other descendants, witnesses and members of the community who have worked to see this Memorial erected.
Mia Mia Mechanics Institute: Map Reference
The Stinson Memorial 