Over the years the ABF has had a number of members who have distinguished themselves in their support of ballooning. Their contributions have been recognised by the membership with the following awards:
Life Membership is awarded to members who have provided exemplary service to the ABF over many years, including:
The Gedge Trophy was presented to the ABF by Len Gedge, a long time balloonist, Life Member of the ABF and supporter of ballooning in Australia. It is awarded to a member who has made a considerable contribution to the ABF over a long period.
The William Dean Award is named after William Dean, 19th century pioneer of ballooning in Australia and is presented to individuals or organisations who have made a valuable contribution to Australian ballooning. The William Dean award is a plaque awarded to and kept by the recipient and carries the following information on the reverse side of the Award
William Dean Award
The William (Joseph) Dean Award is presented by the Australian Ballooning Federation in recognition of excellence in contributing to the sport of Ballooning. The award is named after Joseph Dean, Australia’s first Aeronaut. On the 1st of February 1858, Joseph Dean made the first Balloon Flight at Cremorne Gardens in Melbourne in the 35,000 cubic foot gas balloon 'Australasian' which had been built by Charles Brown. The first flight lasted some 25 minutes and covered a distance of approximately 13km. Australia’s National Ballooning Day is commemorated on the 1st of February each year in recognition of this flight by Joseph Dean.
Recipients of the William Dean Award have included:
As the opportunity presents itself eminent members are inducted into the Hall of Fame and presented with a small memento. These presentations take place at an organised gathering of ABF members. Each Hall of Fame inductee provides a picture and short history of their involvement in the sport of ballooning and the ABF. Past recipients include:
| Recipients | Inducted |
|
Len & Elsie Gedge |
2002 |
|
Ruth Wilson |
|
|
Kay Turnbull |
|
|
Gary Pask |
|
|
Danny Galbraith |
|
|
Peter Drury |
|
|
Dale Allen |
|
|
Phil Kavanagh |
|
|
Judy Lynne |
|
|
Peter Vizzard |
|
|
Will Paul |
|
|
Simon Fisher |
|
|
John Stein |
|
|
Chris Dewhirst |
|
|
Rob Robertson |
|
|
Jenny Houghton |
2003 |
|
Ian Robinson |
2003 |
|
Kiff Saunders |
|
|
Adrian Clements |
|
|
Gren Putland |
|
|
Joe Blitz |
2006 |
|
Barry & Sylvia Bristow - Stagg |
2006 |
|
Robert "Bob" Cook |
2016 |
ABF members have been nominated and have received awards from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) and the Royal Federation of Aero Clubs of Australia. The awards are not presented lightly and the members who have been honoured with these awards contributed greatly to the sport of ballooning.
Fédération Aéronautique Internationale Awards
Commission International d' Aerostation (FAI Ballooning Commission) Awards
Royal Federation of Aeroclubs of Australia - Oswald Watt Award
Royal Federation of Aeroclubs of Australia - Des Kelly AM Special Achievement Award
British Royal Aero Club's Award - The Salaman Trophy