On June 10, 2024, Australian balloon pilot Ruth E Wilson was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM): an Australian honor that recognises Australian citizens and other persons for outstanding achievement and service. In the photo above, she is pictured receiving this prestigious award (on left) from Governor Margaret Beasley. 

Ruth E Wilson has been active in ballooning since the 1970s when she won the 1st Australian Hot Air Balloon National Championship. She went on to represent Australia in four FAI World Hot Air Balloon Championships and two FAI World Gas Balloon championships. 

Not only is she a top pilot, but Ruth has also represented Australia as an FAI Ballooning Commission (CIA) Delegate and served as a member of the CIA Public & Media Relations (PMR) Sub Committee, writing a variety of stories to share via the CIA digital communications channels.

OAM Citation 

The citation for this National Award is as follows:

Governor-General David Hurley as Chancellor of the Order of Australia has recognized Ruth E. Wilson in this year’s King Charles’ Birthday Honours list with the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her dedication and commitment to aviation particularly hot air ballooning since 1975.

The OAM is awarded for service worthy of recognition.

Ruth Wilson has actively promoted the interests of Australian aviation both domestically and internationally over the last 49 years, leveraging her experience as an aviation pioneer.

In 1977 the Australian Ballooning Federation (ABF) the national body of sport ballooning was formed. As a founding member of the ABF Ruth Wilson was the inaugural Secretary, has since held various positions including President and Vice President. In 2021 Ruth once again accepted the role of ABF Secretary.

Ruth Wilson currently serves as Air Sport Australia Confederation (ASAC)  Vice President.  She has been the Australia Delegate for the FAI Ballooning Commission (CIA) and is a contributor to the FAI CIA Public & Media PMR Subcommittee.   Ruth has been an official at FAI Category One events including and Juror for FAI/CIA sanctioned competitions.

Ruth Wilson holds a World First in Aviation - Notable Flight, for 'First night parachute drop from a balloon' (1989-12-20)     

Other highlights:

• 1979 First Australian Ballooning Champion in Open Competition
• 1980’s Represented the ABF on the National Airspace Users Council to educate General Aviation Airspace users on the capability of balloons to operate as safe aircraft in controlled airspace.
• 1981/1983/1987/1989 Competitor in World Hot Air Ballooning Championships
• 1988 Created & Managed the Bicentennial Trans-Australia Balloon Challenge, supported and funded by the Federal Government, to celebrate Australia’s Bicentenary.
• 1990 Competitor inaugural Ladies World Hot Air Balloon Championships
• 1998 Obtained Fixed Wing License.
• 1999 The first Australian Gas Balloon Rated female pilot to represent Australia in the Gordon Bennett Cup.
• 2000 Awarded Australian Women’s Pilots Trophy.
• 2002 Inducted into Ballooning Hall-of-Fame, Australia.
• 2008 Awarded William Dean Award for Excellence for Contribution to Ballooning
• 2017 FAI Hall of Fame Nominee
• 2018 Pilot-in-Command Gordon Bennett Race from Bern, Switzerland.
• 2021 Paul Tissandier Diploma to those swerving the cause of Aviation in general and Sporting Aviation in particular, by their work, initiative or in other ways.
• 2024 Awarded the Order of Australia (OAM).

In conclusion, Ruth Wilson has passionately demonstrated an ongoing dedication and commitment to Aviation since 1975. She has volunteered with professionalism and enthusiasm wherever required – in her sport, her governance and her education of others.

Ruth Wilson’s commitment to aviation remains active.

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The FAI and the Ballooning Commission congratulate Ruth on being recognised nationally with this important award.

Ruth celebrates her award with family. L to R: Son Mark Wilson, Son Grant Wilson, Penny Wilson (Mark’s wife) and Sharlene Wilson (Grant’s wife), and Ruth Wilson (centre).

Images courtesy of Ruth Wilson