The Sir Ross and Sir Keith Smith Fund
The Sir Ross and Sir Keith Smith Fund commemorates the achievements of two distinguished South Australian pioneer aviators - Captain Sir Ross Smith K.B.E., M.C., D.F.C., A.F.C., and his brother Lieutenant Sir Keith Smith K.B.E.
History of the Fund
The memory of two distinguished South Australian pioneer aviators continues to inspire local aerospace technology knowledge and innovation. The Smith brothers changed the future of aviation when they made the first flight from London to Australia within 28 days more than a century ago. Their epic flight made the possibility of a ‘Kangaroo Route’ between England and Australia a reality and inspired a series of endurance flights around the region.
Sir Keith Smith and Captain Sir Ross Smith were knighted for their achievement and received a cheque for £10,000 from the Prime Minister, which they shared equally with their two mechanics. But the brothers’ legacy didn’t end there.
Establishment of The Sir Ross and Sir Keith Fund
In 1986, Sir Keith Smith’s widow, Lady (Anita) Smith, bequeathed her entire estate to establish the Sir Ross & Sir Keith Smith Fund. The Fund, which is overseen by Australian Executor Trustees (now part of Equity Trustees) as trustee, has a wide remit for the "advancement in the State of South Australia of the science of aeronautics and of education therein".
The Fund supports a range of projects over the years, including tertiary education, academic research programs, scholarships or fellowships for research, and sponsorship funds for activities which promote aeronautics technology and education.
Sir Ross Smith & Sir Keith Smith
