In a proud tribute to Australian aviation history, a new monument has been installed at the Charleville Airport as part of the Qantas Heritage Trail, commemorating the very first flight operated by Qantas on 1 November 1922.
This significant installation marks more than a century since the legendary flight, piloted by Paul McGinness, one of the original founders of Qantas, took off from Charleville, charting a course to Cloncurry and launching what would become one of the world’s most iconic airlines.
The monument stands not only as a celebration of innovation and perseverance, but as a permanent reminder of Charleville’s foundational role in shaping the early history of the Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services Ltd, known today as Qantas.
Charleville was more than just a starting point – it was a lifeline for remote communities and a base for those early pilots and engineers who defined the pioneering spirit of outback aviation. In its early days, Qantas relied on towns like Charleville for logistical support, technical maintenance, and strong local partnerships that helped it weather financial and geographic challenges.
Murweh Shire Mayor, Councillor Shaun ‘Zoro’ Radnedge said the town’s contribution laid critical groundwork for the airline’s future growth, technological achievements, and commitment to serving Australia’s vast interior.
“The erecting of the Qantas Heritage Trail Monument that was initiated and designed by Mr Fergus Fysh, a descendent of Sir Hudson Fysh, one of the founding Directors of Qantas, is a tribute to the earliest bush beginnings of the now globally recognised aviation company that is Qantas.”
“Having Charleville recognised as playing an important role in the inaugural Qantas flight and the establishment of this world recognised aviation icon is an honour for our shire and community”.
The Qantas Heritage Trail monument joins other key sites in western Queensland, creating a rich tapestry of national memory that honours the people, places, and machines that made air travel across Australia’s remote regions possible.
Along with the Charleville Airfield Museum, visitors to Charleville Airport can now discover a little more about this important story, recounting the inaugural flight’s details and the spirit of progress that defined those early years.
