Article by Ami Humpage of the The leader Newspaper
Photo: Harry Houdini in his original biplane
DIGGERS Rest’s iconic Houdini model aircraft may have to wait until 2019 to find itself a permanent home in the town. Originally funded by the Diggers Rest Lions Club, the plane was built by volunteer artist Ian Satur for the 2010 commemoration of 100 years since Harry Houdini flew into Diggers Rest.
Most recently the 3x3m plane has been housed at the Moorabbin Air Museum, but at the request of the Melton Model Aircraft Association, the plane was returned. The association had asked Melton Council to permanently house it at one of its facilities, namely the Melton Library and Learning Hub.
That request was squashed when library staff raised concerns about potential vandalism and difficulty in cleaning the plane. Council officers instead suggested it would be more appropriate for the plane to be housed in Diggers Rest.
But until a community centre is built as part of the town’s development, proposed for 2018/19, there is no suitable facility to house the plane in the town. Council officers claim until then there could be potential temporary homes found in Melton or Caroline Springs, but have asked for more time to find the right location.
Melton councillors agreed to ensure housing of the plane is taken into consideration when designing the future Diggers Community Centre.
As previously reported on Diggers Rest Talk, Melton is a 2.5 hour journey by public transport one way - making a visit to the artifact practically impossible for many Diggers Rest residents.
Should the Houdini model aircraft stay in Diggers Rest? Tell us below.
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