• Sydney Airport officially opens upgraded Shep’s Mound plane spotters’ lookout
• Bruce C. Shepherd’s family joins Sydney Airport to honour his contribution to the aviation community
• Upgraded site provides elevated viewing platforms and improved amenities for aviation enthusiasts

Sydney Airport officially opened the upgraded Shep’s Mound plane spotters’ lookout today, honouring the memory of aviation enthusiast Bruce C. Shepherd.

Sydney Airport Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather said the upgraded lookout recognised the importance of the growing community of aviation enthusiasts that frequently use the site.

“Aviation captures the hearts and minds of many of us and we’re proud to be home to a very active plane spotting community,” Ms Mather said.

“With about 345,000 aircraft movements per year, our plane spotters have the chance to see an impressive range of aircraft fly in from around Australia and the world.

“We’re delighted to provide an improved space for our plane spotting community and honoured to recognise Shep’s legacy.”

Shep was an aviation enthusiast with strong links to the local community, starting the YSSY online forum for Sydney Airport plane spotters.

Known for his entertaining stories and generous spirit, he regularly met international visitors to show them the best plane spotting locations in Sydney.

The site has been known as Shep’s Mound since his death in 2005 and is a favourite location for the many plane spotters that visit Sydney Airport.

Shep’s family joined the celebrations today to unveil his commemorative plaque, with the site now officially re-opened to plane spotters.

Shep’s brother Geoff Shepherd said the official naming of the site was a fitting tribute.

“We hope that dedicating the Tower Mound in memory of Bruce will allow his work in bringing aviation spotters together to live on for a very long time to come,” Mr Shepherd said.

“Through his dedicated work and sense of community, the family are honoured to see our name associated with Sydney Airport and the aviation community.”

Shep’s Mound features two raised platforms overlooking the airfield, expansive grassed areas, undercover shelter and dedicated car parking.

The project forms part of Sydney Airport’s commitment to fostering a strong and enduring relationship with the local community.