We have come to honour the memory of a great Australian. Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith was one of that small band of pioneers who forced us to start down the road which we all tread with so much confidence today. So, in our discussion I ask you to remember the men who started it all by flying unsophisticated and not too reliable aeroplanes over oceans and deserts, and who frequently lost their lives in the attempt.

I imagine that almost any speaker here would refer to aviation's humble beginnings, its phenomenal growth over the years since the war, and the brilliant and seemingly limitless future which lies ahead, and the figures certainly are impressive.