He said a more permanent site would be ‘ideal’.
“We only need a couple of acres for our clubrooms and runways, but we do need 20 to 30 acres for an overfly zone with no powerlines and trees, as well as somewhere southerly facing so we are not looking into the sun while flying the large models,” he said.
“We are hoping someone can help us out. We would ideally love a permanent site – somewhere to set up our facilities and allow us to host camping events during a weekend of flying.
“This is especially important because the models are expensive, and people want to be able to look after them throughout the event.”
Mr Hedt said the livestock exchange had sought to extend its southern boundary, which would sadly curtail the paddock for future flying.
“If anyone has some land and would be prepared to talk and consider our plight, it would be great if they got in contact with me,” he said.
“Model aircraft flying is just so good for all kinds of mental stimulation as well as an important mental health outlet.”
The club has 13 members but has previously had as many as 25.
“We are out here most weekends flying. And because we are a smaller club, we are not necessarily able to get state funding for the club given the price of land and the area we need for flying,” Mr Hedt said.
He said the club normally hosted several events during the year and in particular the Midway Cup and Victorian State Championships brought a high standard of competitive model aircraft flyers from interstate.
“We all love flying and a long-term deal would allow the club to blossom,” he said.
Mr Hedt said the club was hoping for a strong showing at the state championships, which determined possible entrants for world championships and further international competitions.
People with available and suitable land can call Mr Hedt on 0427 340 702.
– Michael Scalzo
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