The 90th anniversary of Bert Hinkler’s death has been commemorated 16,000 kilometers from Bundaberg, in Tuscany Italy on Mt Pratomagno.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said the moving service recognised the courage and integrity of Squadron Leader Bert Hinkler, who touched the lives of many across the globe.
“The Hinkler Ring Memorial Monument in Tuscany Italy marks the site where Bert Hinkler lost his life on January 7, 1933,” he said.
“Bert was one of the world’s greatest pioneer aviators, but he was forced to make an emergency landing 90 years ago in a place far from home.
“Bert survived the crash, but later died from his injuries and exposure to the harsh winter.
“It was on this site that a delegation of people met to commemorate Bert last Sunday on January 8, 2023.
“The site is now home to a 1.4 tonne basalt boulder that was transported from Mon Repos Beach.
“It was an honour to help facilitate, locate, and transport this bolder back in 2015.
“Its commanding presence represents the momentous flying career of ‘the boy from Bundaberg’ whose life was tragically cut short at the age of 40.
“Bert Hinkler was one of the world’s foremost pioneer aviators and a noted inventor, this monument pays tribute to his early beginnings at Mon Repos and life’s passion.
“Moving forward, I’m continuing to work to find a funding source to maintain this globally significant memorial in Italy.
“A huge thanks must go to Kevin Lindeberg who has been instrumental in not only this recent service, but finding the site and creating the Hinkler Trekking Track and Hinkler Ring Memorial Monument in Tuscany.”
Kevin Lindeberg provided a speech that was presented at the recent memorial. Below is an excerpt.
“In marking the significance of the life and times in which Bert embarked on and achieved his remarkable many achievements in pioneer aviation and opened the world’s imagination up to what the harvest of a mature field of aviation could bring to all humankind, we are witnessing today Bert’s resurrection from the grave…
Bert’s unexpected death site on Mt Pratomagno near Arezzo or his grave in Florence were never destined to contain him to decay and be forgotten…
As we struggle through life with all its unexpected challenges, twists and turns, ups and downs and opportunities, by looking to Bert’s example, we each can renew within us the importance of resilience and determination to lead a full and meaningful life…
While a place of deep tragedy 90 years ago for our national hero, Mt Pratomagno is now a place transformed to one of tranquillity, hope and inspiration for us all. It is a worthy place of pilgrimage. This has been sealed forever by the landmark, unique Hinkler Memorial Monument which many here today, through their tireless enthusiasm and effort, greatly assisted me to bring it from “a dream of the few” to “a reality for the many” on that memorable sunny, barmy day on 2 August 2015 when it was officially unveiled to the world in a solemn ceremony with many ordinary Tuscan people, public officials and armed services officers in uniform from Italy, Great Britain and Australia in attendance…”
ENDS.
13/01/2023