2006, 3 x 55 minute episodes

Canvas & Sticks, Australia's Own, War in Suits

Australia's aviation history is a saga of daring feats, can-do attitude, pig-headed visionaries, iron-fisted politicians and warring pilots; of humble beginnings and mega deals. The story begins in World War One with the bold young airmen who would later establish Australia's first airlines, in difficult conditions, marred by accidents and fatalities, but highlighted by ground-breaking flights. Behind the scenes, however, battles were fought in boardrooms and with backers and bureaucrats to keep the airlines aloft. Then businessmen replaced aviators at the helm of the companies, and take-overs rather than take-offs became front-page news.

A Film Australia National Interest Program in association with Vue DC. Produced with the assistance of ScreenWest, Lotterywest and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Features Dustin Clare, winner of the 2007 Logie Award for Most Popular New Male Talent for McLeod's Daughters (Nine Network).
Classification: PG. Consumer advice: mild themes, mild violence, infrequent mild coarse language

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The DVD of the series is available at ABC Shops & Centres, department stores and other selected retailers - home use only. For all educational sales contact Screen Australia. English subtitles for the hearing impaired.

Anna Grieve, Mark Hamlyn

Alan Lindsay, Helen Clucas, Tony Virgo (Associate Producer)

Alan Lindsay

Alan Lindsay

Colin Friels

Level: Secondary, Tertiary, Lifelong Learning

Curriculum links include History, Studies of Society and Environment, Science & Technology, English, Media and Business Studies.

 Air Australia Teachers Notes (Acrobat PDF Document, 937Kb)

 Air Australia Press Kit (Microsoft Word Document, 180Kb)

Air Australia Showcase

Just Australian Planes, Nancy Bird Walton, Ships that Flew, The