Vintage A Current Affair Story from 1976– Shot on 16mm Film

From the Vault: Join Con and David as they discuss an iconic A Current Affair story from 1976, filmed entirely on 16mm film. This episode dives into working with film in news and current affairs—the challenges, the craft, and the techniques that defined an era before digital technology. We saved the film just in time—it was starting to smell like vinegar, a clear sign of vinegar syndrome and chemical decay. Learn why this preservation was critical and how these archival rescues keep history alive. Discover: • How news stories were captured and edited on film • Behind-the-scenes insights from the golden age of broadcast journalism • Why preserving these archives matters today If you love media history and authentic stories from the newsroom, this is one you won’t want to miss!
00:00 – 00:12 Intro
00:12 – 00:42 Topic of discussion- 16mm motion picture film.
00:42 – 01:51 Opening of film canister containing the film reels of The 1976 Great Australian Air Race
01:51 – 06:05 General discussion working with film in TV News and A Current Affairs. Vinegar syndrome, reversal/negative film. Scanning film and digitising soundtracks.
06:05 – 07:16 Playing back recently scanned, historic A Current Affair footage. Opening “piece to camera” with Kate Bailliue for review and further discussion
07:16 – 07:44 Interview footage featuring Nancy Bird Walton, a pioneering Australian aviator who, at just 19 years old in 1934, became the youngest woman in the British Empire to hold a commercial pilot’s licence.
07:44 – 08:46 David with signed copy of Nancy Bird’s biography.
08:46 – 09:31 Sound grab with other race participants.
09:31 – 10:00 More discussion about 4K scanning process.
10:00 - 12:19 Final thoughts, complimenting the crew and wrap up.
12:19 – 12:41 closer

Internet research regarding the race. (we haven't fact checked this info)
24 October 1976, spanning a cross-country route from Perth to Sydney, with stops in Adelaide and Melbourne .
✈️ Key Highlights:
• Sponsored by Benson & Hedges, the event attracted 135 entries, featuring varied aircraft such as two Royal Australian Navy Grumman S‑2 Trackers, a Pilatus Porter, and a Bell 206 helicopter from the Australian Army .
• Flag–off took place at Jandakot Airport, officiated by aviation legend Sir Douglas Bader .
• Winning crew: Pilot Ern Shannahan, navigator Jim O’Toole, sponsor Lew Wade, and spotter Mrs Jack Grey flew a Piper Comanche to victory .
• Runners-up: Second place went to a Cessna 600 (Aerostar) piloted by W. Campbell, with the RAN’s Grumman S-2E securing third .
• Public engagement: Approximately 10,000 people gathered in Bankstown to see the race finish around 3:22 pm on Sunday, 24 October, with the start televised live .

🌟 Legacy:
This iconic event marked the last major Australian air race of that scale, and in 2024, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Australia intends to commemorate the 1976 route and spirit with a one‑off revival aimed at revitalizing general aviation in the country