Committee Profiles 2021.

Bill Anderson

After retiring from 40 years in long haul flight as a pilot for Qantas, Bill and his wife moved to Kilaben Bay in 2016.  Bill joined the Association later that year and served as the Vice President for a short period of time before assuming the role of President in 2017.

For Bill the Catalina project is a natural extension for his love of flying and he has been delighted to be involved with an energetic committee and motivated restoration team as RCMPA President.

Bill maintains the role of President – his skills in management, negotiation and organisation have been essential in moving the Catalina project forward. 

Terry Woolard

Terry has been part of the restoration group from the very beginning and was part of the recovery team in Puerto Rico who dismantled Our Girl and shipped her to Australia.  He has a love of aircraft and in particular Catalinas. Terry was nominated for the role of Vice President in 2019 and remains serving in that capacity and also as our Restoration and Volunteer Coordinator. At the 2023 AGM Terry was made a Life member of RCA.

Terry’s working life was largely in supervisory roles in heavy equipment and mining equipment maintenance.  Terry’s diverse range of skills and knowledge have guided and trained volunteers as well as providing essential work on the aircraft.  Terry and his wife Linda reside at Blackalls Park.

Terry Fahey

Terry was born in the Illawarra Region and served an Electrical Fitter/Mechanic apprenticeship with Australian Iron & Steel (Port Kembla) and further studies in Automotive Engineering (Electrical) and Management at TAFE.  Work roles also include shift electrician in coal mines and as a licensed electrical contractor, production manager and national manager.  Terry retired in 2016.

His introduction to the Catalina was via a friend who was a member of the RCA.  He has grown to appreciate the incredible contribution that the Catalina aircraft and their crews achieved, defending Australia during WWII.

Terry is heavily involved in the restoration and brings a wealth of knowledge and skill in electrical and mechanical operations. 

Philip Aris

Phil is a Mechanical Engineer and lives in Rathmines. He currently works as a project manager in the mining industry and has been managing project teams over the last 25 years that have covered projects in Australia, Indonesia, UK, Europe, and the Middle East.

He developed an interest in aviation history whilst living in the UK, and after finding out about the Catalina restoration from a neighbor who was involved in the project, he was keen to offer his services to the team. 

While participating in the hands-on restoration is difficult whilst working full time, he is currently working on a project to catalogue the historic aircraft drawings and parts in his spare time

Penny Furner

Penny and her husband Rob have been the constant driving force behind the Catalina restoration, the Rathmines Catalina Festival and the preservation of the heritage of the RAAF Base at Rathmines Park.  Penny and Rob were instrumental in bringing Our Girl from Puerto Rico.  Penny and Rob are both Life Members of RCA.

Penny’s knowledge of the Rathmines RAAF base stems from her early life living on the base when her father was CO, the history of the Catalina aircraft and her vision to create an interpretive centre continues to guide and drive the Committee. Penny is keen to begin formally cataloguing our extensive memorabilia collection.

Graham Streeter

Graham’s career commenced as a Mechanical Engineer at BHP Newcastle, he has performed multiple management and engineering roles across heavy industry over 45 years - the last 30 plus years in the Aluminium Industry. Graham semi retired in 2015.  Graham’s father served with the RAAF in New Guinea during WWII.

Graham has followed the restoration of ‘Our Girl’ and jumped at the opportunity to become part of the committee team. He commenced looking after our web site, became our Membership Officer and now performs the role of Secretary, Treasurer and Public Officer.