The team working on the FORTRESS NEWCASTLE project is growing. We welcomed Bernie from FIGHTERWORLD to the team recently, and this week we welcome Bill and Laraine from Rathmines Catalina Association to the project. The team visited Rathmines and the worksite of the CATALINA restoration project. This will be an important and exciting attraction when it is installed at the former RAAF flying boat base at Rathmines. The team also visited the Anti-aircraft gun emplacement site at Wangi that protected the Rathmines base during the war. These are two of the sites that will be valuable parts of the Fortress Newcastle trail.
Catalina under restoration 
Terry from RCA explains the restoration and installation of the two Catalina engines. 
Bill lead us on a tour of the Rathmines site. 
One of the 4 gun emplacements at Wangi.
Laraine explains the work being carried out to conserve the Wangi gun emplacements.
Our next field trip is to the Port Stephens area to study remnants of HMAS Attack, Fort Tomaree and Gan Gan camp.
Newcastle Industrial Heritage Association
http://www.niha.org.au/article.php/20200926170432225