• Ross Pay and family at the Australian Aviation Hall of Fame 2014 induction of Ross' father, agricultural and warbird pioneer Col Pay. (Steve Hitchen)
    Ross Pay and family at the Australian Aviation Hall of Fame 2014 induction of Ross' father, agricultural and warbird pioneer Col Pay. (Steve Hitchen)
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The Australian Aviation Hall of Fame (AAHOF) inducted six new members at a gala dinner in Wagga Wagga on Saturday night.

Nearly 200 people packed Joyes Hall at Charles Sturt University to watch Reg Ansett, Horace Brinsmead, Harry Hawker, Col Pay, Ingo Renner and Senja Robey honoured for their contributions to aviation in Australia.

AAHOF also presented the 2014 Southern Cross Award for organisations to the Australian Air Force Cadets.

AAHOF Chairman Steve Padgett said the 2014 inductees had all made significant contributions to aviation.

"Again tonight we recognise and honour thoes who have contributed so much to our rich aviation heritage," he said. "Six individuals and an organisation, which has promoted aviation to our youth, are being inducted. All are extremely worthy of their awards and all have left significant legacies."

Family members including Bob Ansett and Ross Pay accepted awards on behalf of those inducted posthumously, but Ingo Renner and Senja Robey were able to take the stage personally.

Although the AAHOF is still a virtual hall of fame, the aim is to have a building for people to visit before 2017. This aim is wholeheartedly supported by the City of Wagga Wagga, and its Mayor, Councilor Rod Kendall.

"With a history of aviation dating back to the pioneering days of air travel, the City of Wagga Wagga is very proud to have been chosen as the home of the Australian Aviation Hall of Fame, and we wholeheartedly support this great initiative going forward," he said.

"Wagga Wagga City Council will continue to support the Aviation Hall of Fame, and we wish AAHOF every success as they seek out and recognise those who have contributed so much to our aviation heritage and those who are buildiing the future of aviation in Australia."

The initiative has the support of the wider aviation industry, with Shell Aviation, Jeppesen and General Electric joining Wagga Wagga as founding partners. Hawker Pacific, Alliance Airlines, QBE Insurance and Brisbane West-Wellcamp Airport are major sponsors.

"In many ways AAHOF has been too long in coming," said Padgett. "That wrong has now been put right and from the inaugural inductions in 2012, we have commenced the AAHOF journey.

"Many more individuals and organisations deserve our recognition. Their stories are in great need of being told - especially to our youth. This is the principal aim of AAHOF."

The 2014 Inductees

Sir Reginald Ansett, the driving force behind Ansett Airlines.

Lieutenant Colonel Horace Brinsmead, AFC, the first controller of Civil Aviation in the history of Australia and negotiated the establishment of the first airmail route between England and Australia.

Harry Hawker, co-founder of Hawker Aircraft, designer, distinguished airman, test pilot developing spin recovery methods and adventurer.

Col Pay, pioneer of the warbird industry, aerial work, crop dusting and water bombing aircraft in Australia.

Ingo Renner, four-time world and 19-time Australian National gliding champion.

Senja Robey, founding member and Past President of the Australian Women Pilots Association, instructor, and inspiration for generations to follow.

Southern Cross Award: Australian Air Force Cadets

Information on memberships for AAHOF is on their website www.aahof.com.au

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