Port Pirie Regional Council, Media Release, 15 August

Port Pirie Regional Council is thrilled to announce a captivating commemorative project that will breathe life into the military history of the region.

South Australian artist Sam Brooks, renowned for his extensive portfolio of public art, has partnered with his assistant Mark Harding to create a stunning mural on the side of the last remaining WW2 Belmont Hangar at Port Pirie Aerodrome. This project is a part of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs ‘Saluting Their Services’ Commemorative Program and coincides with the South Australian Living Artists (SALA) Festival.

Sam Brooks, with his remarkable track record in national public art, brings a wealth of experience to the project. Having already left his mark in Port Pirie with the Des Parker Mural, and recently completing the Empire Training Scheme commemorative mural at RAAF Wagga Aviation Heritage Centre in Wagga Wagga, NSW, Brooks is poised to add another significant piece to his portfolio in Port Pirie.

The mural is a joint initiative supported by Port Pirie Regional Council and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs which holds a deep historical significance. Consultation on the artist’s draft concept designs was thoughtfully sought from the RSL, Port Pirie Regional Council’s Public Arts and Cultural Advisory Committee, including community representatives, as well as the Aerodrome Commemorative Mural Working Group, together with representatives from the Port Pirie RSL and the Port Pirie Aerodrome.

Port Pirie Aerodrome served as a crucial hub during World War II, extensively utilised as a bombing and gunnery training school due to its ideal weather conditions and flat terrain. The mural, a testament to this rich heritage, aims to encapsulate the spirit of the time and pay tribute to those who served and lost their lives.

Artist’s Statement – Sam Brooks:

“My aim for this mural is to focus on the local people of Pirie and their remarkable involvement in the Empire Air Training Scheme. I strive to ensure historical accuracy while creating an immersive and captivating experience. The mural’s three panels tell the story of pilots and WAAF engineers, feature wartime maps, and iconic training planes. The ‘hero piece’ in the middle panel symbolises the graduation of pilots with the Empire Air Training Scheme emblem. The final panel commemorates the aerial observation school, highlighting the transition and the loss of 22 airmen who trained in Port Pirie.”

Inspired by the Empire Air Training Scheme logo and colour scheme, Brooks also draws from weathered leather fighter pilot maps, with their distinctive browns and oranges. These maps, made from leather and carried by pilots, hold a poignant connection to their history.

The mural serves as a reminder of the region’s pivotal role in history and will undoubtedly become a cherished addition to Port Pirie’s landscape. Alongside this project, a small pictorial museum awaits visitors at the Aerodrome terminal building, offering insight into this significant era. Public access to the museum can be arranged by contacting the Tourism and Arts Centre or the Aerodrome Manager.