THE Camden Haven Historical Society will celebrate the life and achievements of pioneering Australian aviator Nancy Bird Walton with a special exhibition and aircraft flyover at this year’s Camden Haven Show.
Born in Kew in 1915, Nancy Bird Walton rose from humble beginnings to become one of Australia’s most celebrated aviation pioneers, overcoming the barriers faced by women pursuing careers in aviation during the 1930s.
After learning to fly under legendary aviator Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, she became the youngest Australian woman to obtain a commercial pilot’s licence in 1935.
She went on to provide joyflights at country shows and transport nurses to isolated outback communities, earning the nickname ‘Angel of the Outback’ for her humanitarian work.
The Historical Society’s exhibition will feature photographs, historical information and an audio-visual presentation exploring her remarkable life, alongside paper aeroplane activities for children.
Society president Bernice Wood said the exhibition was an opportunity to celebrate a remarkable local woman whose achievements extended well beyond aviation.
“We feel it’s a privilege that we can tell the story of a ‘local girl who made good’, to show how a woman from very humble beginnings could attain her goals and achieve what she set out to,” Ms Wood said.
Society Secretary Stephen Smith said holding the exhibition at the Camden Haven Show was particularly fitting, given Nancy’s early flying career.
“Having the exhibition at the Camden Haven Show is exactly like the types of shows where Nancy used to offer her joyflights to patrons,” Smith said.
A highlight of the celebrations will be a special flyover of Kendall, the showground and Kew at approximately 10am on Sunday, 25 October.
Port Macquarie pilot Michael Murphy will take to the skies in his distinctive yellow Tiger Moth aircraft, providing a fitting tribute to the aviation pioneer.
The exhibition has also attracted the attention of Walton’s family, with her grandson Baron Walton planning to visit the display while travelling from Byron Bay.
He said he was honoured that his grandmother’s life and achievements were being celebrated.
The tribute coincides with the official opening of the new Western Sydney International Airport, named in recognition of her contribution to Australian aviation.
The exhibition will be open to visitors throughout both days of the Camden Haven Show at Kendall, offering locals an opportunity to learn more about one of the region’s most remarkable historical figures.
By Luke HADFIELD
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