Australia Day Ambassador
Dick Smith
Ambassador for Wollongong City Council
“Dick Smith is most well known for establishing the retail chain Dick Smith Electronics which he sold in 1982 to pursue his other interests such as publishing, exploring, aviation and philanthropy.
Uniting many of his interests, he began the quarterly magazine Australian Geographic in 1986.
He has made a number of pioneering flights in helicopters, fixed wing aircraft and balloons, and has a keen interest in the Scout movement, bushwalking, conservation, mountaineering and most importantly, aviation safety reform.
He is a strong supporter of many charities and of the late Reverend Ted Noff's Life Education Centres. Dick was named Australian of the Year in 1986.
He was the Chairman of the National Council for the Centenary of Federation and was appointed as an Ambassador of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation.
(Based on an introduction prepared by The Australia Day Council of SA).
