Sir Ross and Sir Keith Smith legacy continues to inspire

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. 

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".

A specialist Advisory Committee helps direct funding each year which can include tertiary education or research programs, scholarships or fellowships for research, and sponsorship funds for activities which promote aerospace technology and education.

More information about Equity Trustees’ trustee and wealth services is available on our website.

Sir Ross Smith's Aeroplane (banner image) photo credit: State Library of South Australia, B 7921
The Smiths photo credit: State Library of South Australia, B 16704