The Sugar Bird Lady's Legacy: A Historic Plane's Journey Back to Broome

A historical plane that once delivered medical clinics to remote areas of northern Western Australia in the 1960s has made a triumphant return to Broome, saved from the scrap heap to honor its original pilot, Robin Miller. The Mooney M20E, now restored and bearing Miller's nickname "Sugar Bird Lady," was instrumental in administering polio vaccines across the Kimberley, Pilbara, and Goldfields from 1966 to 1975.

Robin Miller's nickname Sugar Bird Lady is on her old plane. (ABC Kimberley: Andrew Seabourne)

Fred Clej, the plane's current owner, flew it back to Broome from New South Wales, a journey that almost didn't happen after the plane was nearly scrapped in 1999. "We were buying it to wreck it, but when I heard there was a story to it, I couldn't," Clej shared. His restoration efforts have preserved a piece of aviation history that celebrates Miller's pioneering spirit.

Robin the Sugar Bird Lady

Miller, an award-winning nurse and pilot, earned her nickname because polio vaccines were administered on sugar lumps. She was a trailblazer for women in aviation, making nine overseas ferry flights to bring new planes to Australia. Her legacy is remembered not just for her contributions to healthcare but also for breaking barriers in a male-dominated field.

Robin Miller administered 37,000 doses of polio vaccine in remote areas. (Supplied: Patsy Millett)

Returning to Broome

The plane's return to Broome was met with emotional welcomes from Miller's siblings and the community. "It's emotional to see it back here," said Marie Megaw, Miller's sister. The event also marked the inauguration of the Sugar Bird Lady scholarship, aimed at inspiring nursing and aviation students in the region.

This story is a testament to the enduring impact of Robin Miller's work and the importance of preserving history to inspire future generations.