Electorate Media Releases

NANCY BIRD WALTON AO OBE

13th January 2009

I was deeply saddened to learn of Nancy Bird Walton’s death today.  Australia has lost a true legend.

Nancy Bird was Australia’s most famous female aviator.  She was a pioneer in a field that was and perhaps still is male-dominated.

As a local resident in my electorate in Neutral Bay and as a person of strong political opinions, I got to know Nancy Bird and admire all that she did for women and aviation in this country.

She was the first woman to receive a Commercial Pilots licence and founded the Australian Women Pilots’ Association.

Nancy Bird first flew, as a passenger, at the age of 13.  She trained as a pilot with Charles Kingsford Smith when she was 17, back in 1933.  Two years later she commenced her flying career as the pilot of an air ambulance in western NSW.

She was thrilled to have had the first Qantas A380 named after her and very much appreciated her association with the national carrier.

Until very recently, she remained an active and feisty 93 year old.  In 2005, she accepted my invitation to be the guest of honour at my North Sydney Community Awards.  She won the hearts of both young and old with her inspiring address at the Awards ceremony.

Nancy was recognised in 1997 as a Living National Treasure.  She well and truly earned this recognition and she will be greatly missed.  To her family and her many friends I extend my deepest condolences.