Adelaide University Gliding Club
Photos from the recent AUGC 50th anniversary, where five aircraft flew in. C182 SRE (John and Julianne Stobie), PA20 ZKI (Cath Conway and Bee) Aldinga, MAU (Paul Van der Loo) Parafield, RV6 SOL (Mark Newton) Bankstown and JS3 PT (Peter Temple) Gawler who also claimed the Come and Get it Trophy. The dinner was attended by Emilis our founder and Simon the Club Patron. Andrew Horton represented the first club flying camp. James Dutschke gave us a signed Roulettes poster commemorating our 50th as he soloed with BVGC at Stonefield. Fun flying for the weekend with the club K13 and the Longwing Kookaburra RN standing in for LZ,which was the first club trainer.
By Emilis Prelgauskas
Adelaide University Gliding Club’s 50th Anniversary
On the long weekend in June 2026, current and past members of the Adelaide University Gliding Club (AUGC) got together at the airfield at Stonefield northeast of Adelaide to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the club, which officially began flying in 1976.
It was a flying day and included the presence of an ES52b Longwing Kookaburra, generously provided by SA RMA JR Marshall, recalling the club's original sailplane. The evening included a meal and remembrances.
Through hard copy material on tables and a scrolling on-screen display of photographs, with some speeches in among the individual pilot’s stories, the entire period was covered. Sponsor Simon Hackett spoke of his enthusiasm for gliding, which he clearly expresses through his practical support.
As the original founder, I recounted the path that brought the club into being – from the earlier advocacy of Martin Simons and the support from Tony Kiek, to its beginnings at Balaklava Gliding Club and the practice ever since as the AUGC. Individuals, groups and committees have sequentially handed on responsibilities and tasks from one to another across that time span, thereby allowing the club to grow and adapt to changes in society, academia, industry and community, staying relevant throughout.
Special distinctions were noted that set AUGC apart, including projects to adapt sailplanes for inclusion and diversity, even way back in the 1980s when this work was not mandated. For example, Matthew Nicholls, who had lost his arms in a farm accident and was able to learn and solo in sailplanes using his feet, was able to attend the 50th event.
A special day in 1988 was remembered when AUGC flew their Bocian in and out of Adelaide's city centre airport. The state Governor had come out to spend the day with attendees at their gliding hub. Many attendees at the 50th Anniversary had also been there, and enjoyed sharing their memories of that day.
