Australia’s aviation heritage is set to connect the nation in a joint venture between Airservices Australia and the University of Canberra.
The project called “Connecting the Nation: Australia’s Aviation Heritage” is anticipated to draw together the dispersed sources of aviation history into a digital portal which aims to improve public access and contribute to its conservation.
Diggers Rest has a strong connection to Australia’s aviation history. At dawn on March 18, 1910 famous American escapologist Harry Houdini made Australia’s first powered, controlled, sustained flight at Diggers Rest, marking the beginning of modern aviation in Australia.
In 2010, the community of Diggers Rest with the support of the Melton City Council, worked together to celebrate the centenary of flight in Australia. The celebrations included an Airshow, a Commemoration Ceremony and a Community Festival.
A series of legacy items were created as part of the 2010 celebrations which now remain for future generations to enjoy. These include the Houdini monument and the informative history panels located at the Stan Payne Reserve in Diggers Rest.
Local Melton resident Ian Satur, hand crafted a one third scale model of the French Voisin bi-plane. A replica of which was flown by Harry Houdini at Diggers Rest.
It is important that Diggers Rest is recognised as part of Australia’s Aviation Heritage through this amazing project.
Additional information can be found via the following link:
http://www.canberra.edu.au/faculties/arts-design/research/research-projects/connectingthenation