THE Gerringong and District and Berry Historical societies have joined forces to celebrate Smithy’s flight with two days of activities.
On Friday a special function will be staged at the Gerringong Town Hall which will feature special guest speaker Michael Molkentin, the author of The Southern Cross and Kenny Arnott, grandson of PG Taylor, who was co-pilot on the flight.
Tickets are just $10 and will be available at the door.
Saturday will see a formal welcome ceremony and recognition of visitors and locals who were on the beach in 1933 at Black Head Reserve, Stafford Street, Gerroa from 11.30am-12.30pm.
At the large picnic area at the intersection of Gerroa and Beach roads in the Seven Mile Beach National Park (9am-2pm) there will be a host of activities, including a display of veteran motorcycles by the Shoalhaven Classic Motorcycle Club, cars and motorbikes from the Shoalhaven Historic Vehicle Club, including member Steen Pedersen’s 1920s Sampson car, as well as vintage vehicles from the collection of Gerringong resident Murray Alcock.
The Historical Aircraft Restoration Group from Albion Park will display pieces of a plane it is restoring as a replica of Southern Cross and the Gerringong Lions Club will stage a barbecue.
There will be kite making and flying and games for children.
There will be displays by the Berry Historical Society from its records covering the historic flight.
It is said there were 1000 people on the beach in 1933 to farewell Smithy and wish him well – from 1pm it is planned to try to recreate the assembly of 1000 people on the beach.
The Gerroa Markets are also being staged at the Gerroa Neighbourhood Centre and will feature a display of Smithy memorabilia (8.30am-11am).
The celebrations wrap up on Sunday with a family golf day at the Gerringong Golf Course from 9am-noon, costing just $20 per family.
