Kempsey Airport

Kempsey Airport is a small airport 4NM west of Kempsey, New South Wales, Australia. The airport is operated by Kempsey Shire Council.History18 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 openedThe 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.