Frequently asked questions

Sir Ross and Sir Keith Smith were pioneering Australian aviators who completed the first flight from England to Australia in a Vickers Vimy aircraft, marking a milestone in aviation history. In 1919, Sir Ross and Sir Keith Smith, together with their mechanics, took part in the famous Air Race announced by Prime Minister Billy Hughes. Flying a Vickers Vimy bomber, they began their journey in Hounslow, England on 12 November 1919 and, after 28 days, landed at a makeshift airstrip near Fannie Bay Gaol on 10 December 1919. Their epic achievement proved that long-distance air travel was possible and marked a turning point in aviation history. The brothers were knighted and awarded £10,000, which they shared equally with their mechanics. Their triumph ended in Adelaide in 1920, where they were celebrated as heroes, and their legacy continues to inspire South Australians and the global aviation community, fostering innovation and a pioneering spirit in aerospace to this day.

Their journey demonstrated the possibilities of long-distance air travel, inspiring future generations of aviators and cementing Australia’s place in global aviation history.

The purpose of the Fund is to perpetuate the memory of Sir Ross and Sir Keith Smith by supporting education, research, and scholarships in the science of aeronautics. In accordance with its constitution, the Fund encourages individuals to pursue advanced study, training, and careers in aviation and aerospace, thereby fostering innovation and contributing to the ongoing development of aeronautical knowledge.

In accordance with the wish of the late Lady Smith, the constitution of the Sir Ross and Sir Keith Smith Fund has as its object the perpetual commemoration of her late husband, Sir Keith Smith, and his brother, the late Sir Ross Smith, together with the significant contribution they made to the science of aeronautics and its study. The Fund seeks to honor this legacy by encouraging the advancement of aeronautical science and its study for generations to come.

Scholarships are open to students and early‑career professionals who demonstrate a genuine passion for aviation, aeronautics, or aerospace engineering. Applicants should show commitment to advancing the science of aeronautics through study, research, or professional development. Support from the Fund is not limited to financial assistance. In addition to scholarships, recipients may benefit from opportunities to engage with the Smith Fund Alumni Program, mentors, and industry leaders, thereby fostering innovation, building professional networks, and contributing to the future of aviation and aerospace.

The Fund provides financial assistance for postgraduate and advanced study, training, and research projects in the science of aeronautics. In addition to financial support, scholarship recipients may benefit from opportunities to engage with academic institutions, mentors, and industry leaders, thereby fostering innovation and contributing to the future of aviation and aerospace.

Yes! The Fund encourages applications from students, offers educational resources, and supports outreach programs to inspire the next generation of aviators.

Residency in South Australia is not mandatory for applicants. However, in line with the Fund’s objectives, preference is given to projects that are based in South Australia or that deliver a direct benefit to the State. Applicants from outside South Australia are welcome to apply, but they should note that proposals demonstrating clear relevance or impact for South Australia are more likely to be supported.

The Fund provides scholarship opportunities that are administered through universities primarily based in South Australia. Applicants are encouraged to refer to their university for details on how to apply. The Fund provides scholarship opportunities for postgraduate and other advanced courses of study and research in the science of aeronautics. In accordance with its constitution, the Fund’s object is to perpetuate the memory of Sir Ross and Sir Keith Smith by encouraging the advancement of aeronautical science and its study. Applicants are invited to pursue programs that contribute to the development of aviation and aerospace knowledge, whether through advanced academic study, technical research, or projects in the field of aeronautics.

No. While the Fund proudly supports aspiring pilots, its scope is much broader. Our Fund supports a wide range of aviation, aerospace and aeronautics fields from piloting and engineering to aeronautical research, aerospace technology. In keeping with the vision expressed by the late Lady Smith, this commitment extends to “every aspect of all means of human conveyance or transportation through the air and inner and outer space”, embracing both current developments and future research that may lead to new projects of a similar nature.

Alumni Registration: To register as a member of the Smith Fund Alumni Program, please do the following: 1. Follow us on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/sir-ross-sir-keith-smith-fund?trk=public_post_follow-view-profile)(#SmithBrothersAlumniProgram); and 2. Send us an email with the following details: · Your full name · The project that previously received funding from the Fund (including year and amount) · An overview of what you hope to achieve through participation in the Alumni Program

In Adelaide: Sir Ross Smith Boulevard, Oakden. In Darwin: Ross Smith Avenue. In Melbourne: Ross Street, Alphington. In Sydney: Ross Smith Avenue as well as Keith Smith Avenue in Mascot near the airport.