Following multiple rain events that forced its temporary closure, the sun shone brightly on the reopening of the Officers’ Mess at RAAF Base Richmond.
Base personnel gathered for a ceremonial ribbon cutting and to enjoy the first meals in the mess.
The 87-year-old mess closed its doors from 2022 to 2024, undergoing a two-and-half year refurbishment to remediate rainwater damage and preserve the building’s rich history.
President of the Mess Committee at RAAF Richmond Wing Commander Michael Dorman said the Officers’ Mess was a symbol of camaraderie and tradition.
“It has been a place where officers have gathered in times of peace and times of war. It has witnessed countless celebrations, solemn gatherings and memorable moments,” Wing Commander Dorman said.
“The upgrades have been meticulous, keeping functionality and comfort enhancements at the forefront, to retain the essence of what makes the mess special.”
There were significant repairs to the roof and balconies to prevent water entering the building, including guttering and drainage work to allow water to effectively drain.
‘It has been a place where officers have gathered in times of peace and times of war.’
“The interior of the building was affected by mould, which required cleaning of the whole building and refurbishment of the accommodation areas,” Wing Commander Dorman said.
“Being a heritage building, structural defects were also encountered during the project, for example concrete cancer. Lintels and slabs were replaced under the ground-floor bathrooms as part of the remediation process.”
There was also a ‘Step Back in Time’ themed ball for all ranks in the mess on September 26 to celebrate the reopening.
Among the significant historical memorabilia on display is the life-sized bust of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, which was donated by Lawrence Kingsford Sayer in 2018. The bust was sculpted by Dr Sayer’s mother, Enid Winifred Fleming, in 1932.
Sir Charles notably took off from RAAF Base Richmond in 1928 for the first trans-Tasman Southern Cross flight to New Zealand in 1928.
In days gone by there would have been a bird’s-eye view from the south and west wings of aircraft using the grass runway opposite, an area now home to the base’s soccer field.
Commanding Officer 22 Squadron and senior ADF officer at RAAF Base Richmond, Wing Commander Todd Yurkowski, said the Officers’ Mess was a place for RAAF Base Richmond personnel to gather, socialise and relax in a comfortable environment.
“This, in turn, enhances the health, wellbeing and morale of members, both current and future,” Wing Commander Yurkowski said.
