ON August 27, 102 years ago, four bi-planes took off from Serpentine to Melbourne’s town hall in Australia’s first air race, a race to win a gold cup and raise money for soldiers who had returned from the First World War.
This weekend, a similar re-enactment of the race will be held in Serpentine.
“On that day (of the original air race) they raised enough money just locally from the locals to buy a whole house for one of the locals who had lost his leg in the war,” chairman of the air race committee Robert Hooke said.
“This day we are having here, all the proceeds are going to all the veterans through Legacy in Bendigo to veterans to help them settle back in to civilian life after they have served their country.
“So we are doing the same sort of thing.”
The day will feature the Royal Australia Air Force Roulette’s aerobatic show, legendary pilot Paul Bennet showing off some of his tricks, antique planes and cars on display, rides for children, food and coffee stalls, and of course the re-enactment of the famous race.
While the competitors in the race won’t fly all the way to the Melbourne Town Hall, pilots will have to fly to certain landmarks that will only be disclosed to the pilots at the time of the race.
Having had to cancel four times due to COVID implications, Mr Hooke is very keen to see the event finally take place.
“It’s just a one off thing, until another 100 years maybe,” he said.
The gates will open at 9am on Sunday.
