Funds help Air Force website to fly

THE Air Force Association Ballarat Branch’s website on the history of the Number One Wireless Air Gunners School will now be fully funded.

APCO Alfredton has partnered with the association as a major sponsor and will cover all costs associated with maintaining the site.

The website shares the history of 1WAGS, which was based at Ballarat Airport from 1940 to 1945, and stories of those who trained there.

AFA Ballarat Branch member and 1WAGS website coordinator Janet Bates said the sponsorship connects three generations.

“My father, Reginald Barker, trained at 1WAGS, I’m involved with the Air Force Association, and my daughter Olivia and her husband Ivor own APCO Alfredton,” she said.

“They’re going to support us not only by sponsoring the website, which is maintained by UBC Web Design, but with anything the association needs with catering.

“We’re a non-profit organisation, and other than some support from the association in Melbourne to run our meetings, we don’t get any funding.

“The website has been draining our resources, so to have that eased off is a wonderful thing, and we know we can keep it going down the track.”

Olivia Bates said APCO is a business with an aim to support community, and alongside her husband, she was very happy and honoured to have the opportunity to help the group her mum is so passionate about.

“We’re thrilled to support in a small way,” she said. “My grandpa was a massive part of WAGS, mum is honouring his legacy, and I’m hoping to do the same.”