Powerhouse support for aviation pioneer event

The Lawrence Hargrave Society, in conjunction with the Powerhouse Museum NSW, will present the inaugural Lawrence Hargrave Oration in November.

The inaugural orator will be the president and chief pilot of the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) Bob De La Hunty OAM.

The oration, celebrating Hargrave as a pioneer of flight, will be held at Corrimal RSL Club on Saturday, 28 November at 6.30 pm.

Hargrave Foundation president Robert Deacon said it was his aim to celebrate the achievements and legacy of Lawrence Hargrave, one of the world’s great pioneers of flight.

“The oration has been established to recognise Hargrave's extraordinary contribution to aviation and to ensure his remarkable story continues to be shared with future generations,” Mr Deacon said.

“The Oration will celebrate not only Hargrave's achievements, but also the qualities that defined his life — innovation, resilience, determination and perseverance in the pursuit of ambitious goals.

“Bob De La Hunty OAM, president and chief pilot of the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS), has accepted the invitation to deliver the inaugural Oration.

“Bob has an outstanding record of leadership in Australian aviation and has played a significant role in major air shows, including Avalon, Wings Over Illawarra and Wings Over Shellharbour. His leadership of HARS and lifelong commitment to preserving Australia's aviation heritage make him a fitting inaugural Orator.

“The evening also will feature Andrew Jacob, Collection Curator at the Powerhouse Museum, who will present an overview of Hargrave's work and its significance.”

The event will be hosted by Professor Michael Hough AM RFD ED, Patron of the Lawrence Hargrave Society and Mr Deacon.

This ambition is particularly timely with the opening of Powerhouse Parramatta. Hargrave and the museum's important collection relating to his work will feature prominently in Task Eternal, a major opening exhibition exploring humanity's enduring quest to defy gravity, take flight and journey into the sky. 

Historic Stanwell Park achievement

Lawrence Hargrave demonstrated the principles of the aerofoil wing through his kite flying experiments at Stanwell Park Beach and he also developed a working model of the rotary engine for aviation.

Bookings for the inaugural Hargrave Oration can be made online for $85, including a three-course meal.

Bookings via South Coast tickets.