Bundaberg’s extraordinary connection to space will be displayed alongside the Out of this World: Australia in the Space Age exhibition at Hinkler Hall of Aviation.
It was 28 January 1986 when a 12 cm long wooden rib from Bert Hinkler’s glider which he flew at Mon Repos Beach in 1912, was on board the space shuttle Challenger, which tragically exploded 73 seconds into its tenth mission.
The story of this mission, its ties to the region and to the international world of space is on a continuous loop and featured at the Hinkler Hall of Aviation.
Community members will have the chance to step into the space age as they discover society’s imaginative contribution and response to space research and exploration between the 1950s and 1970s.
Celebrating Australia’s involvement in the space race, Out of This World has something for everyone, from cutting-edge scientific research to space-inspired design, television and much more.
National Archives Director-General Simon Froude said the exhibition told a diverse range of stories, all connected by our nation’s desire to understand space.
“Sparked by the Soviet Union’s Sputnik 1 in 1957, the space race really captured the imaginations of Australians,” Simon said.
“We look forward to sharing the memories of that time with the Bundaberg community.”
Hinkler Hall of Aviation was pleased to support the partnership with National Archives and to share this stellar exhibition with the community.
The local connection between Bert Hinkler and the Challenger helped the Bundaberg Region to secure the Out of this World: Australia in the Space Age exhibition.
Curator Catriona Donnelly said the impact of the space race had a fascinating impact on Australian culture.
“New technologies were developed, inspiring people of all ages to explore their own ideas and aspirations for the future,” Catriona said.
“What occurred was an explosion of creative responses from Australian scientists, designers, architects, television producers, community groups and children alike.”
Out of This World is on at Hinkler Hall of Aviation from 30 July to 9 October and admission to the exhibition is free of charge.
Out of this World: Australia in the Space Age exhibition is supported by the State Library of South Australia, and the Australian Government’s National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program and Visions of Australia.
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