The first of five free entertaining and educational talks sharing stories of adventure, bravery, ingenuity and comradery of the Great Air Race begin tomorrow.

Presented by the Darwin Aviation Museum, the five talks follow the ground-breaking journey of the race from its take off in London, its final landing in Darwin and the legacy the Great Air Race had on Australia, Darwin and the aviation industry.

Members of the Aviation Historical Society of the Northern Territory, Ken Lai, Fiona Shanahan and Fiona Douglas, will present the talks which have been created with the support of the Fannie Bay History and Heritage Society.

The presentations will take place from Saturday, 5 October to Saturday, 9 November and will be held at the Northern Territory Library, the Northern Territory Archives Centre and the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.

Seating is limited for each session and those wishing to attend should register online at www.ntmajorevents.com.au. 

Quotes from Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) General Manager Tim Watsford:

“The program of Great Air Race talks is an important part of engaging with and educating the community about the race and its significance to Darwin and the aviation industry.

“The stories of adventure that make up the Great Air Race are truly fascinating and I would encourage people of all ages to get along to the presentations to learn more about this incredible aviation feat.”

Quotes from Aviation Historical Society of the Northern Territory Curator Ken Lai:

“The series of talks will give the community an understanding of the historical significance of the events around the Great Air Race.

“We hope that these talks will keep the names of Ross and Keith Smith, Wally Shiers, Jim Bennett, Henry Wrigley, Arthur Murphy, Paul McGuiness, and Hudson Fysh in the minds of all Australians. 

“We want to tell the story of the difficulties of such a journey that we today take for granted, and commemorate the beginning of our aviation history that took off in this place 100 years ago.”

Media contact: NTMEC Media and Communications Officer 0439 065 321

Session One

‘The Start of the Race’
Saturday, 5 October between 2pm – 3pm
Northern Territory Library
The end of the Great War saw thousands of Australian troops, including airmen, keen to get home. At a time when few airfields existed, and aeroplanes were not a common sight, Australian Prime Minister Billy Hughes saw the potential of aviation. The offer of a prize turned the trip home into a race. Six Australian and a (non-qualifying) French team embarked on this epic adventure.

Session Two

‘Preparing for Arrivals’
Wednesday, 16 October between 5.30pm – 6.30pm
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
Darwin was a port city, as the Stuart Highway had not yet been built. Two expeditions surveyed possible landing sites where the Great Air Race participants might stop on their journey south to the nation’s capital, Melbourne. Fannie Bay is prepared for the racers to make their Australian touchdown.

Session Three

‘A Flight Less Ordinary’
Saturday, 26 October between 2pm – 3pm
Northern Territory Library
The Great War stimulated development in aircraft and engines. The winning aircraft of the Great Air Race, the Vickers Vimy, was the culmination of these advances. Find out what flying in the Vickers Vimy was really like, from modern-day pilots who flew a replica built decades later.

Session Four

‘How the Race was Won’
Thursday, 31 October between 5.30pm – 6.30pm
Northern Territory Archives Centre
From an ice-cold morning in Hounslow to the steamy heat of Darwin in December, the Vimy crew made their epic aerial voyage. Hear about some of the perils and adventures in between.

Session Five

‘How the Race Changed our World’
Saturday, 9 November between 2pm – 3pm
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
The race was over, what next for the Vimy crew? This pioneering race inspired many aerial adventurers over the next century. An overland journey that led to an airline. Air travel and air mail we now take for granted, but it all started with this race.