The countdown is on for the start of passenger flights this weekend, but Western Sydney International has not forgotten to pay tribute to the other half of its name: Nancy-Bird Walton Airport.
Last week WSI marked the legendary female aviator’s 111th birthday by unveiling a suite of new Nancy-Bird Walton inspired features at the global gateway in Badgerys Creek, from public roads to a unique public art installation.
The airport precinct includes the following Nancy-Bird Walton tributes:
- WSI’s air traffic control mast for its Digital Aerodrome Service (DAS) is named Walton Tower, with departing and arriving pilots expected to use the official callsign Walton
- Public roads: Nancy Drivewhich is the key thoroughfare running from Elizabeth Drive into the heart of the airport precinct, Trailblazer Drive which connects Nancy Drive with Badgery’s Creek Road, and Barnstormer Waywhich is home to WSI’s Airport Operations Control Centre (AOCC) and Aviator Road
- Digital imagery and children’s play areas: all check-in kiosks at WSI have stunning digital images of the pioneering aviator Nancy-Bird Walton as the home setting. At the domestic gates children’s play areas – The Dream of Flight, Future of Flight, and Angel of the Outback – pay tribute to Nancy-Bird Walton and give parents a place to engage with their little ones before boarding their flight
- Nancy-Bird Walton Public Art Installation: Perched on the wall of the terminal above the travellator at its domestic departure gates, is Blue Mountains-based artists’ Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro’s flagship artwork, ‘My God! It’s a Woman!!’ that transforms Walton’s de Havilland into an expansive 3D wall-mounted model.
The public art installation was developed in partnership with UAP, Urban Art Projects and pays homage to Nancy-Bird Walton as Australia’s first female commercial pilot.
The piece features a Gipsy Moth biplane as a 3D blueprint, honouring her work connecting remote communities, which earned her the nickname The Angel of the Outback.
WSI CEO Simon Hickey said the airport was excited to be able to pay tribute to an important Australian aviation pioneer who helped shape the industry.
“Nancy-Bird Walton’s story is one of courage, curiosity, and determination, and one that continues to inspire all Australians to this day. We’re thrilled to honour her remarkable legacy and for passengers to connect with her pioneering spirit that inspired our airport’s name,” he said.
“Nancy-Bird Walton’s legacy will live on permanently from Sunday 25th October when we open for passenger services and become Sydney’s newest international gateway.”
Mr Hickey said WSI was also commissioning a new bust sculpture, to be developed over the next 12 months, that will sit permanently at the airport.
“The bust will be designed and delivered in our precinct and be accessible to the public, symbolising Nancy-Bird Walton’s everlasting legacy,’’ he said.
“These artworks, public roads, kids’ play areas and tower all share one thing – they honour Nancy-Bird Walton – while also creating moments of discovery and reflection for millions of passengers, while undoubtedly inspiring future generations.”
Camden Haven Historical Society in Laurieton, is hosting an exhibition and display this weekend, 24-25 October, at the Camden Haven Show in Kendall celebrating the life and achievements of Nancy Bird Walton. Nancy was born in Kew, near Laurieton, and spent her early years there and in Kendall. The Show dates coincide with the official opening of the new international airport which is named in Nancy’s honour and we at the Society felt it fitting that we honour our ‘local girl’ who took to the skies to realise her dreams. Through her tenacity, determination and resilience, Nancy bucked social prejudices in the mid twentieth century to take on a role in a field which was largely inaccessible to women. Nothing was to stand in her way to achieve her goals. Nancy’s belief in herself and her determination to follow her dreams continue to provide inspiration to all today.
The audio-visual exhibition and display can be seen at the Camden Haven Show in Kendall, some 30 km south of Port Macquarie, on Saturday and Sunday, 24-25 October. We have activities for children–and adults–to demonstrate their aviation ‘prowess’ with their paper plane making and flying skills. There is also a flyover of a Tiger Moth plane scheduled for around 10am on Sunday, 25 October.
Come and help us celebrate Nancy’s life and achievements!