AVIATION enthusiasts will be heading to Serpentine to honour the centenary of Australia's first official air race. Back in August 1920, Serpentine was the starting point of the first government-sponsored aerial derby to raise funds for the repatriation and care of service personnel following World War One. A century later, experienced pilots will take to the sky to reenact the importance race. "It's invaluable because we're celebrating these old air crafts that still fly very well," one of the organisers Richard Evans said. "We're also raising funds for Legacy. The purpose of the first race was to raise funds for returned soldiers through the Peace Loan. "There's still a need for that with the returned servicemen today." Read more: Federal government paper to outline regional aviation issues While the biplanes used in the 1920 race are no longer in use, pilots will take to the sky in the next best thing - the Tiger Moths. "They certainly weren't built until the 1930s but they are the most suitable replacement," Mr Evans said. Pilot Warren Manuel will be taking part in the reenactment flight. "I'm a third generation pilot," he said. "My grandfather and father were both pilots. They both had a Tiger Moth and now I get to fly one too. There wouldn't be too many generations that have that." The reenactment will take place at the Serpentine Airfield - six kilometres south of Serpentine - on March 21. There will also be vintage air crafts and vehicles on display, as well as other memorabilia. Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.
AVIATION enthusiasts will be heading to Serpentine to honour the centenary of Australia's first official air race.
Back in August 1920, Serpentine was the starting point of the first government-sponsored aerial derby to raise funds for the repatriation and care of service personnel following World War One.
A century later, experienced pilots will take to the sky to reenact the importance race.
"It's invaluable because we're celebrating these old air crafts that still fly very well," one of the organisers Richard Evans said.
"We're also raising funds for Legacy. The purpose of the first race was to raise funds for returned soldiers through the Peace Loan.
"There's still a need for that with the returned servicemen today."
While the biplanes used in the 1920 race are no longer in use, pilots will take to the sky in the next best thing - the Tiger Moths.
"They certainly weren't built until the 1930s but they are the most suitable replacement," Mr Evans said.
Pilot Warren Manuel will be taking part in the reenactment flight.
"I'm a third generation pilot," he said. "My grandfather and father were both pilots. They both had a Tiger Moth and now I get to fly one too. There wouldn't be too many generations that have that."
The reenactment will take place at the Serpentine Airfield - six kilometres south of Serpentine - on March 21.
There will also be vintage air crafts and vehicles on display, as well as other memorabilia.
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.
