Dick Smith AO (b. 1944), businessman, aviator, film-maker and explorer, was born in Roseville, North Sydney, and grew up with two absorbing interests: radio and the bush. An avid Boy Scout, but an indifferent school student, he lasted through only one lecture at university before he began work in an electronics factory. In 1968 he established his own business in North Sydney; it would evolve into the giant Dick Smith Electronics chain. In 1983 he made the first solo helicopter flight around the world, landing on container ships at sea to refuel. In 1986 he launched the quarterly magazine Australian Geographic, and was named Australian of the Year. He made the first helicopter flight around the world via the poles in 1989, and the first non-stop balloon crossing of Australia in 1993; that year he founded Dick Smith Foods, a business dedicated to selling foods produced in Australia by Australian-owned companies. A keen bushwalker and a long-term proponent of reforms to Australia's aviation industry, he was named a Living National Treasure in 1997.
Australian of the Year 1986
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2005
© John Elliott
John Elliott (19 portraits)
On one level The Companion talks about the most famous and frontline Australians, but on another it tells us about ourselves: who we read, who we watch, who we listen to, who we cheer for, who we aspire to be, and who we'll never forget. The Companion is available to buy online and in the Portrait Gallery Store.
John Elliott talks about his photographic portrait practice, including his iconic image of Slim Dusty arm-in-arm with Dame Edna Everage.
The Australian of the Year Awards have often provoked controversy about who is selected and whether their achievements are remarkable.
