Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett has today congratulated the work of Capalaba man Kevin Lindeberg in reigniting Bert Hinkler’s fame.
Today, the Bert Hinkler Memorial Boulder will be removed in a special ceremony, where it will be transported to Italy as the centerpiece of the ‘Hinkler Ring’ – a fitting memorial for an aviation pioneer who did so much to advance aviation.
Mr Bennett said the symbolic tribute brings together the beginning and the end of local legend Bert Hinkler’s career.
“Our aviation pioneer took his first flight over Mon Repos Beach, and his last flight came to an abrupt end in Italy during an attempt to break another world record,” he said.
“It’s a great honour for our community to be a part of such a historic project that will put our region on the world stage.”
Mr Bennett praised Mr Lindeberg for being the driving force behind the project.
“Until now, the site where Bert Hinkler died hasn’t been properly recognised, but thanks to Mr Lindeberg, a tourist hiking trail will be built where he took his last breath more than 80 years ago.”
Mr Bennett said the Hinkler Ring Project was a fitting tribute that would coincide with the WW1 centenary, given the famous aviator’s service in the Royal Naval Air Service during which he won a distinguished service medal.
Mr Bennett will attend the special ceremony at Mon Repos this afternoon.