The harry hartwig fellowship

The name Harry Hartwig is significant in the history of Mission Aviation Fellowship. He was one of the visionaries who prayed and planned the Australian MAF into existence. Harry also surveyed much of northern Australia and (what is now) Papua New Guinea to find the most suitable site for the commencement of flying operations.

After an exhaustive search, he finally chose Madang on the north coast of PNG and then became MAF’s first field pilot in May 1951. Sadly, he was killed in an aircraft accident just three months later. By God’s grace, others have continued the work that remains true to Harry’s original vision after 60 years.

To recognise the commitment of our bequestors, the Harry Hartwig Fellowship has been formed. The Fellowship’s first official function was the Harry Hartwig Dinner, which was held at Bankstown Airport on 7 May 2011, celebrating to the very day, sixty years of MAF service in PNG.

(...sixty years on and we are still serving the people of PNG)

On this important occasion, Mrs Margaret Baldock, Harry’s widow, was on hand to officially launch the Fellowship. Just metres away, in April 1951, Harry’s Auster had been commissioned into MAF service, before flying north to commence operations one month later. Those who notify us that they have included a bequest to MAF Australia become members of the Harry Hartwig Fellowship, and will receive from time to time invitations to special events – our way of saying ‘thank you’ for their generous support.