Hunter Fighter Collection Incorporated, preserving Fighters & Trainers at Scone NSW

About Hunter Fighter Collection

Hunter Fighter Collection (HFC) Incorporated is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and has ATO deductible gift recipient (DGR) status. Established in September 2019 our Vision is to be recognized as a leading world class Aviation Museum collection that gives Australian aviation history a voice in the community. Our Mission is to preserve the memory and history of military aircraft and its people for this and future generations.

Hunter Fighter Collection is the curator of a significant collection flying fighter aircraft and operates a volunteer-run Museum at Scone, NSW, contributing 2.86 million dollars to the local community of Scone.

Board of Management

Hunter Fighter Collection Incorporated Board Members have extensive experience in Business and the Aviation industry. Our Board Members have a diverse range of skills and are Volunteers, who receive no payment for their services. Our Board maintains ethical standards based on a Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest guidelines. To achieve our vision, Hunter Fighter Collection Inc. has established a Volunteer program. Our Volunteer Conservation team is highly skilled and plays an integral role in assisting us to fulfil our strategic goals.

Ross PayChairman

Ross Pay is the Managing Director and owner of a large Aviation company and an Aerial Firefighting company, providing firefighting services on behalf of Government agencies. He is highly regarded as a leader in the historical Warbird preservation movement and is an active community leader in Scone and the Upper Hunter Valley, NSW.

John ParkerPublic Officer

John Parker is a well-respected member of the historical Warbird aviation community and is an aviation Journalist. John was a senior executive Manager in the Commonwealth and Queensland State Governments. With over 40 years of experience, he has managed large projects and teams, responsible for multi-million dollar budgets.

Michael BransonTreasurer & Secretary

Michael Branson has an engineering background as well as 35 years in global investment banking and consulting services, with over fifteen years of board-level experience across a wide range of commercial sectors, including government and regulated markets, including the Deutsche Bank Group. He has a deep interest in military aviation history and aircraft restoration, often contributing his free time working on projects that celebrate this passion.

James BaileyBoard Member

James Bailey is a serving RAAF pilot with considerable experience in Aviation, both from the professional piloting and engineering aspects. James is well known in the Civil historic aviation community and within the RAAF and is strongly committed to the preservation of historic aircraft.

Paul BennetBoard Member

Paul Bennet is the owner and managing director of several Aviation and manufacturing companies. As a highly skilled Warbird pilot, Paul regularly showcases his historic aircraft at numerous airshows and displays across Australia and around the globe. Renowned for his exceptional talent, he is recognized as one of the most accomplished display aerobatic pilots in the world, captivating audiences with his precision and artistry in the skies.

Peter KearneyBoard Member

Peter Kearney is a highly experienced RAAF engineer, starting his career in 1968. While located at RAAF Base Williamtown, NSW he worked on Dassault Mirage III’s, including 5 years on the Mirage type in Malaysia. Peters RAAF engineering work includes, the C130 Hercules, DHC Caribou, and McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornets. He retired in 1992 and then spent 14 years as a reservist. Peter is a resident of Scone and is a Team Leader of the HFC Technical volunteer team.

Alexander PayBoard Member

Alexander Pay is an experienced pilot of historic aircraft and is involved in the restoration of the aircraft as part of the Vintage Fighter Restorations and Pays Aviation group at Scone NSW. Alexander is a Graduate of University of New England Australia and is involved in the management of several aviation companies.

Sam PayBoard Member

Sam Pay is an experienced pilot and a member of the engineering team at Vintage Fighter Restorations, part of the Pays Aviation group, based at Scone NSW. Sam has a wealth of knowledge in aircraft maintenance and historic aviation. He is qualified in Aero Mechanical Engineering and is well regarded in the historic aviation industry.

Chris PriestlyBoard Member

Chris Priestly has had a 25 year career with the RAAF working on CAC Sabres, GAF Mirage III’s and McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornets and other RAAF types. He was located at RAAF Williamtown, RAAF Butterworth and other RAAF Airforce Bases. After retiring from the RAAF, Chris worked for British aerospace – B.A.E. Systems as a Senior Maintenance Manager for the Hornet and Hawk aircraft programs, for 16 years. He is a military history enthusiast and an avid model aircraft builder. Chris is a Team Leader of the HFC Technical volunteer team.