The Early Birds Association of Australia was formed by enthusiasts engaged in probably the most exciting calling of the 20th Century. The Association's membership covered every aspect of aviation from pilots, engineers, hostesses, and aerial photographers to radio and instrument technicians. The Royal Australian Air Force was strongly represented and there was no gender exclusion. So in essence the membership qualification was generous and wide-ranging. However, there was one salient restriction - any such aviation connection must have occurred prior to the start of World War 11.

In 1978 three Queensland members decided to form a local branch. Bob Brown convened a meeting of interest that attracted 49 persons. The meeting was chaired by Arch Stenibeck with the National President Harold Affleck, from Sydney, in attendance. A Branch was established with Tom Drury as Chairman. Arch Steinbeck was elected Hon. Secretary/Treasurer with a Committee of Bob Brown, Ray Smith and Andrew Gerrsekowski. Harry Purvis was appointed North Queensland representative and Ted Wixted Hon. Historian.

In March 1981, Chairman Tom Drury, unveiled a plaque and drinking fountain near the Southern Cross Memorial at Eagle Farm. Later it was transferred to the Sir Charles Kingford Smith Memorial near the entrance to Brisbane's International Airport where Smithy's Southern Cross is now displayed.

In 1987 the final lunch held at the RAAF Support Unit at Kangaroo Point took place. The venue moved to the Royal Queensland Aero Club and stayed there until November 2004 when membership numbers fell below the minimum number for the Club's caterers. This brought us to the Sofitel Restaurant, Brisbane. The first luncheon proved a signal success and is recorded for posterity by the heading photograph.

In March 2003 the Early Birds were guests of the Queensland Museum to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of G-EBOV an Avro Avian plane. She had helped the famous Bert Hinkler to a safe arrival in Brisbane after completing the first solo flight from England to Australia in 1928. In June 2003 the Early Bird's were guests of honour to mark the 75th anniversary of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith's conquering of the Pacific Ocean after a 12,000km flight from California. That day the locked door of the glass enclosure was thrown open and we climb aboard Smithy's old Bus the great Fokker Tri-motor plane named Southern Cross.

For me the highlights of membership are three fold. The periodic Newsletters that reminisce the flying stories of the past, the lunches, and our member speakers. The stories of our pioneer pilots and their planes remain spellbinding as forgotten memories flash to the fore. Yet, what brought that strange atmosphere of magic - was it merely the stories or a bangers and mash combination? As a romantic I favour the combination choice!

At its peak the Keeper of the Rolls showed a national membership in excess of 400 that included many of Australia's pioneer airmen and women. The great Lores Bonney and the evergreen Nancy Bird-Walton brought glory to these ladies of the air.

The Queensland Branch membership reached a peak of 136 in October 1985. By the 17th October 2005 it had shrunk to 31. Fifty-one had died and 54 had either resigned or transferred to other states.

The restriction of membership established by the founding members meant it would be an association that would gradually decay with the passing of time. The current Rolls record there are 103 National members. Thirty-one of these are members of the Queensland Branch. The youngest member of this branch is 81 years-of-age so logic points that the Association will have become extinct by the second decade of this century.