Last week it was announced that AirVenture, the annual air show, will be held in Cessnock in September.

The event, previously held in Narromine, is expected to attract up to 10,000 people and include over 400 aircraft over the three day weekend.

While a number of business owners are concerned about the move, Narromine Shire Council Manager of Economic Development Phil Johnston assures that there are a number of new events coming to boost tourism in Narromine.

“Council staff have been discussing the needs of AirVenture for some time. Access to a greater local population and increased accommodation is important for their future growth,” Mr Johnston said.

“The aerodrome is a very positive thing for Narromine and for this district and we're very keen to promote that.

“The importance of the Aerodrome is widely recognised and this event is important.”

Mr Johnston said that Council have been in discussions with the Flight Attendants Association of Australia (FAAA) and local aerodrome users to bring a similar event to Narromine.

“In place of AirVenture, we have been talking to the FAAA and local aerodrome users about the development of a new event for Narromine, and this year they’re putting together something that's called AusFly, which is going to happen over the same weekend,” he said.

“It’s going to be more of a community style fly in, but there will be displays, seminars and community open days as part of those three days.

“So it will certainly be smaller than AirVenture but there will still be a fly in and a local air show.”

Other events booked in to the aerodrome later this year include, the State aerobatic Championships in September and the National Aerobatic Championships in October.

Mr Johnston said that Narromine Shire Council are very supportive of the development of the aerodrome industrial precinct and will soon undertake a number upgrades to the entrance and drainage works of the aerodrome.

Council has supported the Aviation Museum with its recent funding application and working with them on the facility. Mr Johnston said, “there’s lot's of positive happening for the aerodrome.” 

“We wish Airventure all the best with their future endeavours and thank them for holding their event here in Narromine,” he said.