Colin Jacka, the chairperson of Balranald Southern Cross, has fulfilled his childhood dream by acquiring replicas of two iconic Australian planes. Despite being related to war hero Captain Albert Jacka, Colin’s fascination with aviator Charles Kingsford Smith led him to establish a museum in Balranald, celebrating Kingsford Smith’s legacy. The museum, affectionately called “The Shed,” houses a replica of the Southern Cross, the plane that made the historic transpacific flight from the US to Australia.
Colin’s journey to obtain the Southern Cross began when his son, Paul Jacka, unearthed information about Kingsford Smith’s visit to Balranald in the 1930s. This discovery eventually led to the acquisition of the replica plane from the Australian Army in 2015. The Southern Cross replica, originally built for a TV series in the 1980s, found its new home in Balranald, with the Australian Army facilitating its transport to the museum.
In 2017, Colin expanded the museum’s collection by securing a replica of the Lady Southern Cross, the plane Kingsford Smith was flying when he disappeared during an air race in 1935. These two replicas, along with antique vehicles and historical artifacts, form a significant part of the museum’s exhibits, attracting visitors who marvel at the unexpected gem they have discovered.
The museum’s operation is a joint effort by Colin Jacka, along with volunteers Peter Barratt and Vic Pope, who share a deep passion for history. Supported by additional committee members, the team works tirelessly to preserve and showcase Balranald’s rich aviation history. The community recently commemorated the 90th anniversary of Kingsford Smith’s landing, reuniting friends and creators of the Southern Cross replica.
John Chase, the original owner of the Southern Cross replica, expressed fondness for Colin Jacka and the museum volunteers for their dedication to maintaining the exhibition. Jim Thurston from the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society commended Colin’s enthusiasm and vision for the museum, emphasizing the importance of keeping history alive through such initiatives.
Colin Jacka’s ambitious plans for the museum include a future visit from Mr. Thurston’s operational Southern Cross replica, reenacting Kingsford Smith’s historic journey to Balranald. By preserving and promoting Balranald’s aviation history, the museum not only honors the legacy of Charles Kingsford Smith but also contributes to the town’s tourism industry, ensuring that future generations can appreciate this significant part of Australian heritage.
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