As Australia's newest international airport opens its doors to passengers today, Federal Member for Lyne Alison Penfold has celebrated the extraordinary life of the woman whose name it bears – a little girl from Kew on the NSW Mid North Coast who grew up to become Australia's first female commercial pilot.
Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport will welcome its first passenger flight today, marking another chapter in Australian aviation history and a proud moment for the Camden Haven community where Nancy Bird Walton was born in 1915.
"Just think about that for a moment. A little girl born in the tiny community of Kew, who grew up at a time when women were barely allowed to dream of becoming pilots, now has one of Australia's most significant pieces of aviation infrastructure named in her honour," Ms Penfold said.
"What a remarkable story. And what a wonderful message for every young person growing up on the Mid North Coast today."
Nancy's fascination with flying began as a child. She reportedly jumped from fences with her arms outstretched, pretending to be an aeroplane.
At just 13, she experienced the thrill of flight at the Wingham Show, an experience that would change the course of her life.
Leaving school as a teenager to help in her father's general store, Nancy saved what she could to pursue her dream. In 1933, she began flying lessons with legendary Australian aviator Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, and by the age of just 19, she had become Australia's first female commercial pilot, breaking barriers at a time when aviation was overwhelmingly dominated by men.
She went on to fly joyrides at country shows and then transport nurses, doctors and patients across remote western NSW, earning the affectionate title 'Angel of the Outback'.
She was a trailblazer for women in aviation, going on to establish the Australian Women Pilots' Association and inspiring generations of women to pursue careers once considered beyond their reach.
"Nancy didn't have wealth, connections or the advantages that many might assume are necessary to achieve something extraordinary," Ms Penfold said.
"She had determination, courage, a willingness to work hard and a dream that began right here on the Mid North Coast.
"And she didn't just use her flying skills to make a living. She used them to help others, bringing medical care to people in some of the most isolated parts of our country.
"That says a great deal about the woman she became and the values she carried with her."
Ms Penfold said Nancy's achievements reinforced a message she had shared with students at her former school, St Clare's High School in Taree at its recent centenary celebration.
"I've spoken to young people at St Clare's about the opportunities that come from growing up in our part of the world.
"Sometimes young people can think that because they come from a country town, their opportunities are somehow smaller than those of someone growing up in Sydney or another big city.
"I don't believe that for a moment.
"Growing up on the Mid North Coast gives you something special. You learn the value of community, of hard work, of looking out for others and of making the most of what you've got.
"Your postcode doesn't determine your potential, and your hometown should never place a ceiling on your ambitions.
"Nancy Bird Walton proved that more than 90 years ago.
"My message to every young person growing up right across the Lyne electorate from the Hunter to the Hastings is simple: be proud of where you come from, dream big and never let anyone tell you that you can't achieve something extraordinary."
Ms Penfold also congratulated the Camden Haven Historical Society for its efforts to celebrate Nancy's life at this weekend's Camden Haven Show, with a special historical exhibition.
"It's particularly fitting that, as a major international airport opens in her honour, the community where Nancy's story began is celebrating her achievements too," she said.
"I congratulate the Camden Haven Historical Society and everyone involved in keeping her wonderful story alive for future generations.
"Millions of people will pass through an airport bearing Nancy's name without necessarily knowing where Kew is on the map.
"But we know. And I hope every young person growing up on our coast remembers that one of Australia's great aviation pioneers started out in a little country town just like theirs.
"Nancy Bird Walton reached for the skies. There is absolutely no reason why the next generation of young people from Lyne cannot do the same."