Sir Richard Williams Centenary Celebrations

SIR RICHARD WILLIAMS RAAF CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS

Representatives from Copper Coast Council, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), State Government and the Copper Coast community will gather in Moonta on Sunday, 7 November 2021 for the Sir Richard Williams RAAF Centenary Celebrations.

In celebration of the Centenary of the Royal Australian Air Force, Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC will be unveiling a bronze statue in honour of Sir Richard Williams KBE CB DSO at Queen Square in his hometown of Moonta.

Sir Richard Williams was an Air Marshal and is widely regarded as the ‘Father’ of the RAAF—first military pilot trained in Australia, commanded Australian and British aviation units in World War I and spent 13 years establishing and developing the RAAF as its first Chief of Air Staff.

“It’s an honour to be working with RAAF, State Government and the Sir Richard Williams RAAF Centenary Celebrations Committee in creating this event to honour someone who has not only protected and fought for our country, but helped make the RAAF what it is today,” Mayor Roslyn Talbot said.

“Relatives, Officers and State representatives have been in contact to express their gratitude for this celebration and the mountain of work that has been put into organising this celebration by everyone involved.

“The Sir Richard Williams RAAF Centenary Celebrations Committee has made this day possible through their passion to honour a Moonta hero in the heart of the town and now everyone who visits will know his achievements and contributions to aviation and the nation.

“We encourage everyone to come down, join in on the celebrations and learn about the life and times of Sir Richard Williams and his strong connections with Moonta and the RAAF.”

For more information on the event and any updates, follow the Sir Richard Williams RAAF Centenary Celebrations Moonta Facebook Page.

SIR RICHARD WILLIAMS RAAF CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS SCHEDULE
Sunday, 7 November 2021

1030 hours - Parade (starting at Moonta Bowling Club and proceeding down George St to Queen Square)
1035 hours – RAAF Flypast of parade along George St
1128 hours - RAAF Flypast (Queen Square)
1145 hours - Statue Unveiling Ceremony (Queen Square)
1215 hours – Vintage Aircraft Flypast followed by Book Launches (Queen Square)
1245 hours - Light Lunch for VIPs and Invited Guests
1430 hours - Thanksgiving Church Service - Moonta Mines Uniting Church