Bushies on display at the Cairns Museum.
Being retired and needing to down-size Ron Entsch approached the Cairns Museum to hold his Bush Pilots – Air Queensland, (Bushies) memorabilia and research material. Les Sim, the Manager, enthusiastically offered Bushies a large unused space for its display. A museum working group was formed to contribute, and to provide assistance in what was to become a major project. It comprised Ron Entsch, Kingsley Mundey, Brian Williams, Lyle Cooke, Bob Mackinnon and Warwick Tainton, each contributing within their expertise.
The display comprised large photos of aircraft on high, story boards for each decade, a DC3 model hanging above, a real DC3 control panel, numerous aspects of tourist travel, various timetables, route maps and many items of memorabilia.
The display was officially opened on 28th November 2008 by the State Member for Cairns in the presence of Cairns Historical Society President, Museum Manager, distinguished guests, committee members, and many former staff.
Tragically for Bushies, the building housing its display was destined for major renovation and modernisation. New management decided future space was not available so Bushies, the historic airline, was restricted to a small corner. However, the display had been digitised for posterity and future reference.