Back in Business: Fighter World aviation museum in Williamtown comes out of COVID lockdown fighting

The museum, which is dedicated to preserving the proud history of fighter aircraft operations in the Royal Australian Air Force, will reopen on Monday, November 1, in time to welcome Sydney visitors to the region.

Fighter World manager Bernie Nebenfuhr said that the staff and volunteers had been eagerly awaiting for this day to come.

"It was a similar situation following the initial lockdown in 2020. We enjoyed a great bounce back with both visitor numbers and merchandise sales skyrocketing right through the summer and autumn months," he said.

"Then we had the Sydney lockdown in June followed in August by the statewide restrictions forcing our doors shut again. Fortunately, our small number of employees have had the support of JobSaver."

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Mr Nebenfuhr said that the decision was made to keep the museum closed despite restrictions easing on October 11 to allow staff and volunteers some time for cleaning and maintenance work and to set up a COVID-safe plan.

"We would have also liked to announce some exciting new happenings to coincide with Monday's reopening, but it will have to hold. We have, however, reviewed our pricing structure and the good news is that there is a decrease in the family package (two adults and unlimited children) to $40," he said.

"We have also introduced annual passes for $100 a year and we accept the Dine & Discover vouchers, which have been widely used in past months."

He said that the museum had taken stock of a third hangar, funded by the Air Force, as a storage and workshop facility.

"This will free up our number two hangar for more displays."

Another addition has been the renovations to the gift shop, which is located inside the main hangar but can be accessed without paying the museum entry fee.

Shop manager Linda Stothard said that there were a range of new and exciting merchandise and toys the whole family could enjoy.

"We have a wider range of books, souvenirs and models available for sale that would make excellent Christmas gifts."

Mr Nebenfuhr said the museum was hopeful of winning a state government grant to upgrade the toilet and sick room to allow for better disabled and wheelchair access.

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