Kempsey Airport

18 October 1930:

The Department of Defense approved the site at Aldavilla on the Sherwood Road for development of an aerodrome for all types of present aircraft. When the work is finished, the department will issue an official aerodrome license.

The department has advised the Kempsey Municipal Council (which has been in the forefront of this matter) to acquire rights to adjoining properties to provide for future expansion when larger aircraft come to Australia.

7 December 1936:

The Aldavilla aerodrome was officially opened on Saturday by the minister of defense the Hon H. V. C. Thorby. An aerial pageant was held during the day on the all over grassed aerodrome.

1 June 1953: New ’drome opened

The newly constructed Kempsey aerodrome was officially opened on Saturday by the Minister for Civil Aviation (Mr. H. L. Anthony). The ‘drome cost £160,000 to construct, the breakdown being: 44 degree runway £69,000; landing strip and sealing at either end £25,000; apron and taxi-ways £5,000; area roads around the aerodrome £2,500; car park and access roads £3,000; passenger facilities (yet to be built) £1,500. The opening of the aerodrome was the first of the Coronation celebrations in the district. It was followed by a spectacular aerial pageant which drew a crowd of over 2000. Among those at the ceremony was a former mayor of Kempsey, Mr. Sam Lacey, now of Sydney. Some 20 years ago he took two departmental officers to Aldavilla to make a survey of the ‘drome site. Also present was Mr. A. J. Druitt, former town clerk (and an alert 88) who arranged for the resumption of the land.

1 July 1953: Air Service

Butler Air Transport Ltd has recommenced its air service between Kempsey and Sydney. It landed a four-engine De Haviland Heron passenger plane on Kempsey aerodrome about 9.15am yesterday with 13 passengers aboard.

1958/59:

Kempsey airport had a major upgrading with the existing gravel landing area being converted to an all weather bitumen strip. Kempsey airport was then on a par with all regional airports throughout Australia.

1 July 1975:

Kempsey airport was taken over by the Macleay River County Council from the Commonwealth Government.

12 May 1984:

It was announced that Kempsey airport would get navigational aids allowing night landings. Landing lights at the airport have been in operation for some years.

1986:

Kempsey airport became fully operational for night flying in 1986.

1 September 1993:

FBO/MRO Macleay Aircraft Maintenance commenced operation from Kempsey Airport

1 October 2016:

Wings Over Macleay is the first 2-day event of its kind for the Kempsey-Macleay area. Whilst the Kempsey Shire Council owned airport has been in operation since World War 2, it has recently undergone a $2.5 million upgrade to make it suitable to become a fully serviced Aviation Business Park. It is now ideally situated to host a regional air show There are currently several aviation related business operating at the airport. The popular Kempsey Flying Club, as well as local parachutists, use the site for their GA flying activities. It is also an important centre for the NSW Air Ambulance to service the Mid-North Coast region.

• List of airports in New South Wales