A huge volunteer effort sees a new, bigger and better hangar for MAF near completion in Arnhem Land
By Ella Henry
MAF workers in Arnhem Land, particularly the engineers, have laboured tirelessly for many years in steamy conditions, working in a small hangar cramped for space.
Three main issues came up time and again. Firstly, not enough space - squeezing planes in for servicing and maintenance was always a challenge. Secondly, flooding which occurred each wet season, making life extremely difficult and thirdly, the extreme heat of the tropics which seemed magnified under the low iron roof, turning the old hangar into an oven.
Clearly, a new hangar was needed but it was never going to be a simple task. Building costs have skyrocketed in the past few years and to build a hangar the size needed was going to be expensive and time consuming.
Work started with the laying of the concrete slab in July 2007. Then, steel framing was ordered from Brisbane and arrived in May 2008. This was just the beginning.
Aside from local paid contractors, the entire project needed labourers and more skilled workers. But funds were not available to cover that and so the word went out that volunteers were desperately needed and the response from around Australia and beyond was amazing!
At least 36 people aged from 21 to 70 volunteered their time ranging from one to seven weeks. They came from MMM International, Vineyard Church Lilydale (VIC), Orchard Church Te Puke (New Zealand), Southport Church of Christ in Queensland, MMM supporters from Boat Harbour in Tasmania and more.
MAF Arnhem Land General Manager, Ian McBride, in charge of organising volunteers and overseeing the project, said he was overjoyed by the effort of those who gave up their time. "I don't believe this project could have been completed without the help of volunteers," he said.
By September 2008, it was estimated the volunteer effort had saved MAF $43,000 in building costs.
The new, near-completed hangar is 37metres long and 26 metres wide with 960 square metres of floor space. Up to 14 light aircraft can now be accommodated.
The ground floor level includes a main store, bond store, technical records room, base engineer and hangar supervisor's offices, cleaning room and engine storage room, sheet metal room, oil and dangerous goods store and a wash down bay.
Upstairs consists of a staff/conference room, administration and accounts office, general manager's office, chief pilot's office, avionics room and components room. Both levels have toilets and disabled toilet facilities.
MAF would like to thank all those involved, from the families who offered accommodation and meals to volunteers, the wives of men working on the hangar who made lunches every day and of course the ones who worked directly on the project.
Ella Henry was a volunteer worker on the hangar for three weeks in September 2008.
|
|
Last Updated ( Friday, 06 February 2009 )
|
