19 March, 1919
The Australian Government announces a £10,000 prize for the first Australians to fly from Britain to Australia.
It’s the brainchild of then Prime Minister Billy Hughes, who’s experiencing the wonders of flight for the first time while travelling between London and Paris for the peace talks. He aims to inspire his young nation after a devastating war, “stimulate aerial activity” and promote Australia to the world.
This article appeared in Adelaide’s Advertiser on 20 March 1919.
Back to timeline