Kingsford 2032

Originally known as South Kensington, the suburb of Kingsford in the middle of Randwick local government area was named in honour of the pioneering aviator of Australia, Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith shortly after his disappearance in 1935. Randwick Council held a competition during 1936 to rename South Kensington, attempting to mitigate confusion with suburban postal deliveries. Kingsford was the popular choice.

Sydney's main airport also honours the man whose most famous aircraft was aptly named the Southern Cross. Most of the pioneering aviation feats of 'Smithy' were witnessed by the adoring throngs of Sydney-siders at the then Mascot Aerodrome, close by to Kingsford.

Kingsford-Smith foresaw the great potential of air travel and captivated the Australian public with his record breaking flights and adventurous spirit. It was his relentless dare devil record breaking attempts that became his nemesis. In pushing the modest boundaries of aviation at the time, the Australian population also began to see the remarkable global transportation potential of the aviation industry and its capacity conquer the 'tyranny of distance'. This had been Australia's geographic disadvantage since the arrival of the European colonists.

The suburb's namesake is commemorated in a mosaic artwork and mural that has been enhanced and embellished by three artists in 1990, 2010 and 2016, to the benefit of the local community. The location of this mosaic is Southern Cross Close, located adjacent to Anzac Parade at the end of Gardners Lane, Kingsford. The Close was named in honour of the most famous plane Kingsford Smith flew, which was called Southern Cross. 

The mosaic and mural are registered on the Monuments Australia database, as is the naming of the terminal buildings at Sydney Airport after this iconic aviator of the twentieth century. The local federal electorate of Kingsford-Smith is also named after 'Smithy'. Post World War Two, the suburb of Kingsford became home to the Greek migrants settling in Sydney, especially from the island of Kastellorizo. St Spyridon's Church on Gardeners Road Kingsford, remains the focal point for the Greek orthodox community of Randwick.