Member for Narungga Fraser Ellis MP welcomed this week’s announcement that the State Government is contributing $26,000 to ensure a bronze statue dedicated to Moonta-born Air Marshal Sir Richard Williams KBE CB DSO can proceed and be erected in time for planned Air Force Centenary local celebrations in August.
“I have been honoured to support the efforts of the Sir Richard Williams RAAF Centenary Celebrations committee with advocacy for grants funding, and am thrilled with this outcome”, Mr Ellis said.
“This is a project close to my heart given my Moonta Mines family roots over four generations, and I know my late grandfather Trevor Ellis would also be particularly thrilled to know the legacy of Sir Richard Williams will be immortalised in bronze for future generations with a statue in Moonta’s Queen Square.
“I congratulate Robyn Knight and her hard-working committee over recent years, and all the local community groups and individuals who have donated to this cause and staged fundraisers to reach the necessary $75,000 needed to bring the statue project to fruition.
“I am aware local dedicated representatives from National Trust SA, RSL, Veterans SA, Vietnam Veterans Association, Moonta and District Progress Association and the Copper Coast Council would all be proud of this achievement and I say well done to all.
“This is a very exciting announcement for Moonta and the broader Copper Coast region.”
Mr Ellis said whilst Sir Richard’s achievements have been recognised with a main avenue and entrance gates in his name at Adelaide Airport and locally with a recognition plaque at Kadina airport, such is the significance of his outstanding contributions to Australia and its Civil Aviation Industry, there has been justified widespread support for the commissioning and erection of a statue of Sir Richard in the town square of his home town of Moonta.
“This statue will suitably honour and celebrate the achievements of Sir Richard Williams, and I very much look forward to seeing it in Queen Square in Moonta.”