HUDSON Fysh faced challenges throughout his childhood.
His severe asthma prevented him from attending school.
At an early age his parents separated. Hudson initially went to live with his father. However, his stern father’s business failed and Hudson frequently ran away until he was allowed to live with his mother.
Painfully shy, Hudson said he was a child feeling “looked down on, sensitive and socially lost”.
Despite his setbacks, Hudson was a dreamer. He repeatedly dreamt of flying.
“I would dream of taking off by racing down a slope followed by the delicious sensation of gliding free around the countryside”.
Hudson signed up for service at the start of WW1, fighting at Gallipoli and then joining the Flying Corps as a gunner.
He also trained as a pilot, fulfilling his dream of flying.
His bravery was rewarded with the Distinguished Flying Cross. Like many soldiers, his return to Australia left him feeling lost and uncertain about his future.
Paul McGuiness, a fellow soldier and pilot convinced Hudson to join him in aviation.
Together with a financial backer, they began Australia’s first commercial aviation service in the Queensland outback.
Beginning with mail delivery, they fought hard to convince the public of the merits of air travel. They named their company Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Service.
Today, QANTAS is an iconic, well respected global airline.
A boy with a rough start, low confidence and social awkwardness achieved his childhood dream to fly, creating opportunity for others to follow.
Think you don’t have what it takes to follow your dream?
Are you the parent of a dreamer?
Take encouragement from the life of Hudson.
Don’t limit your influence or your potential- the sky’s the limit!
