Did you know Canberra's first aerodrome was in Dickson?
It opened in 1924 and operated until November, 1926 - just months after the national capital's first air fatality there.
Celebrating that legacy, Wings of Dickson - Pioneers, Pilots and the Ploughman will be held from 10am, on Saturday, a free event that is part of the Canberra and Region Heritage Festival.
Head to the Dickson Baptist Church at 133 Cowper Street (opposite the Dickson pool), for live jazz from the era, historical artefacts from the aerodrome and morning tea.
Starting at 10am on Saturday, two new Canberra Tracks signs will be unveiled during a short ceremony outside the church, near the walkway, by the ACT's new Heritage Minister Ms Rebecca Vassarotti MLA.
Guest speaker will be Ron Brent, former director of the National Film and Sound Archive.
Senior members of the Air Force, 3 Squadron and 3 Squadron RAAF Association will also be present. If you'd like to see the unveiling, organisers are advising to arrive by 9.45am.
A pilot and on-board photographer were killed in a crash at the Dickson aerodrome in February, 1926.
They had flown from Richmond to do an aerial reconnaissance of the Murrumbidgee Valley and the plane crashed during an attempted landing.
Canberra's air operations moved to a paddock in the Majura Valley in November, 1926, the foundation of the current airport.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark canberratimes.com.au
- Download our app
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
