A remarkable piece of aviation history has taken flight in the heart of Port Macquarie.
Now suspended above the escalators in the atrium of Gowings Port Central Shopping Centre, a beautifully restored replica Sopwith Snipe aircraft stands as a powerful tribute to WWII Royal Air Force pilot Ted Gowing—father of the centre’s owner, John Gowing.
Installed in late May 2025, the aircraft honours the bravery, service, and sacrifice of Australian servicemen and women. For John Gowing, the project is deeply personal—an enduring symbol of his father’s incredible wartime service and a legacy preserved for future generations.
Ted Gowing served with distinction during WWII, flying long-range missions for the RAF across Europe. He trained under the Empire Air Training Scheme in Narromine and Canada, and was later deployed to the UK alongside 20 Australian Flight Sergeants—of whom only two survived the war. His story is one of courage, survival, and deep personal sacrifice.
The Sopwith Snipe replica was meticulously restored by Luskintyre Aircraft Restorations, specialists in vintage aviation. While not a model flown by Ted himself, it represents the spirit of the era and is complemented by original propellers from planes he did fly—such as the Tiger Moth and Walrus amphibious aircraft—held in John’s private collection.
The installation is not just a stunning visual centrepiece; it’s a meaningful addition to Port Central that honours local and national history. It invites all visitors to pause, look up, and reflect on the legacy of those who served.
Visit Gowings Port Central to view this incredible tribute on your next trip to the centre.
