Abstract
Australian government administrators and private enterprise took full advantage of the opportunities made possible by civil aviation in Australia’s Northern Territory. Yet, there is a common perception among Territorians that there is more on display and known about the defence aviation heritage of the Territory. Considering the long-term impact civil aviation has had on Territorians and their way of life, this paper queries this representation of its aviation past. This is achieved through a heritage audit, alongside an exploration of primary and secondary historical resources, and other forms of presentation. This paper highlights existing gaps in the representation of civil aviation heritage in the Northern Territory and suggests a way forward so that this significant historical narrative is not forgotten.
Highlights
The first flight to arrive in the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia is surrounded by debate
The aim of this paper is to explore this claim through an audit of heritage places and collections, alongside the investigation of primary and secondary historical sources and current ways in which civil aviation heritage is portrayed in the Territory
Several significant areas of civil aviation are absent from the narrative, both physical and in written and other forms
Summary
The first flight to arrive in the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia is surrounded by debate. The location of this event remains unclear Was it Alexandria Station or Avon Downs Station? Perhaps it was overshadowed by the arrival of the Vickers Vimy and its crew on 10th December 1919 after they successfully completed the world’s first Great Air Race from London to Darwin. The arrival of these aircraft highlighted their ability to fly long distances, and this must have impressed many Territorians and hinted at the potential for aviation in the Territory.[1]. Arrival of the Great Air Race Vickers Vimy aircraft in Darwin (Image reproduced with permission from the Aviation Historical Society of the Northern Territory)
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