History of the Bairnsdale And District Model Aero Club

For many years the Bairnsdale And District Model Aero Club rooms and airfield was located behind the Bairnsdale Tip in Johnsons Road, Forge Creek.

Being located so close to the local tip created obvious problems for the aero club. There were health issues and limited flying airspace. Also the club's lease on the council's property was due to expire within a few years. The tip would soon need to expand into the BADMAC airfield area.

The Bairnsdale And District Model Aero Club needed to find a new home.

Finding a new home

An article appeared in the Bairnsdale Advertiser newspaper explaining the aero club's situation. In response to that publicity, a farmer came forward suggesting a corner block of his farm in Goon Nure might be a suitable location for the purposes of the club.

The Civil Aviation Safety Association (CASA) ruled that the Goon Nure location would not interfere with activities of the East Sale RAAF base and therefore approved the site suitable for flying model aircraft. BADMAC was then able to approach the Victorian Model Aeronautical Association (VMAA) for funding to proceed and purchase this property.

The planning permit for the new BADMAC airfield and club rooms in Goon Nure was approved on 16th August 2013. Settlement took place on 4th September 2013.

Construction works

The VMAA executive approved some funding on 10th of October and road work started on 16th October 2013.

There are more than 40 photos to view in the slideshow above that display the enormous amount of work put in over an extended period by dedicated BADMAC members in constructing the entry roadway, fencing, water supply, airfield, runways and club rooms.

The Certificate of Occupancy was issued on 12 February 2015.

Official Opening

The "VMAA State Field Eastern" official opening was held on Sunday 8th March 2015. The Bairnsdale And District Model Aero Club will host up to 6 model aircraft flying events per year at the Goon Nure airfield.