BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘LACE’
The Australian Aviation Hall of Fame (AAHOF) has unveiled its 2025 inductees and the recipient of the esteemed Southern Cross Award, honouring extraordinary contributions to Australian aviation and aerospace.
Since its establishment in 2011, AAHOF has recognised 61 individuals and 12 organisations for their pivotal roles in advancing the industry. This year, four remarkable individuals and one organisation will be celebrated at the Gala Induction Dinner on 14 March 2026, coinciding with the Airshows Downunder Shellharbour event at Albion Park.
The 2025 inductees include Bill Bristow AM, founder of Angel Flight Australia, who transformed access to specialist medical care for rural Australians through free, non-emergency flights; Greg Dunstone, a trailblazer in Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology, revolutionising air traffic management; William “Billy” Hart, Australia’s first solo pilot and a key figure in promoting early aviation; and Sir Ivan Holyman KBE MC MiD, founder of Australian National Airways (ANA), a cornerstone of Australia’s aviation heritage.
Both Hart and Holyman brought significant military contributions to their legacies. During World War I, Hart served with the Australian Flying Corps, honing aviation skills that strengthened military and civilian aviation standards.
Holyman, a distinguished First World War veteran, enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in 1914, was wounded four times, earned the Military Cross for gallantry near Jeancourt, France in 1918, and was mentioned in despatches. His military service instilled leadership that later propelled ANA’s growth into a major domestic carrier.
The Southern Cross Award will be bestowed upon the Regional Aviation Association of Australia (RAAA), recognised for its tireless advocacy for regional aviation.
Representing 120 members, including airlines and flight training organisations, the RAAA supports over 10,000 jobs and facilitates more than two million passenger journeys and 23 million kilograms of freight annually.
Greg Hood AO, Chair of AAHOF and a National Air Force Association Board member, said “these individuals and the RAAA embody the dedication and innovation that define Australian aviation”.
“From Hart and Holyman’s wartime service to Dunstone’s advancements in air traffic safety and Bristow’s life-saving flights, their contributions resonate deeply, particularly with our defence community.”
The Gala Induction Dinner, hosted at the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) in Albion Park, will align with Airshows Downunder Shellharbour, featuring historic and modern aircraft displays, including military aircraft, alongside carnival rides and dining options. Tickets are available at www.aahof.com.au.
AAHOF, a not-for-profit organisation, remains committed to preserving Australia’s aviation history and inspiring its future, with support from sponsors like Viva Energy Australia and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).