Want to know a little more about the GMAA? Then read on!

The GMAA has been operating in Geelong for over 40 years, and have quite an interesting history! In this section you can read up on the history of the club, some more about us today, where our field is located, committee member details and much more.

The Geelong Miniature Aircraft Association (GMAA), as we are now known, have been operating in Geelong for over 40 years. During that time we have had a name change, flying field moves and expansions and seen generations of locals join up and fly with the club.

It all began back in 1965 & 1966 when a number of local modellers began seeking eachother out to help oneother learn to fly their (at the time) single channel radio controlled and control line aircraft and to share knowledge and discuss the latest news in their hobby. Proportional radio sets came into vogue, and with them came more locals interested in radio controlled flight.

Towards the end of 1966 and early 1967, a number of individuals began to congregate and fly their aircraft on the Belmont Common. Most flew trainers, but some of the more adventurous flew aerobatic capable aircraft. It soon became apparent that these like-minded flyers should form a club in order to have rules, control over frequencies and an official flying site on the Belmont Common.

The first ever meeting to form a model aircraft radio club in Geelong was held in June/July, 1967 in founding member Barry Angus' garage. Also present were some names that would be familiar to long-time members of the club: Ralph Tabley, Gavin & Murray Hitch, Len Bent, Peter Williams and Les Squires (amongst a select group of others).

Barry Angus was duly elected president and the club was officially born. A few names were suggested for the club ranging from "Geelong Model Radio Club" to the final result, which had a distincly American ring to it: "GAGS" (Geelong Aero Guidance Society).

The South Barwon Shire gave the club permission to use the common and soon after was erected a steel clubhouse come garage to house the club's equipment. At a later date, due to a (rare) local government grant, a larger concrete brick building was erected. This served among other things as a shelter in inclement weather and a canteen on competition and open days. Early meetings were held in the "Camera Club" shed on the Belmont Common (near where the Belmont Sunday Market is now held) as well as in the "Airforce Hall" in Little Malop Street. In later years meetings were shifted to the old migrant hostel near the Ford factory on Melbourne Road, using one of the mission huts there.

Many enjoyable years were spent flying on the Belmont Common, the Nationals held there in 1972 being one of the more memorable highlights. But the club's time there was limited as suburban progress slowly made flying more difficult and dangerous, with the fear of interference and flying over busy roads becoming unacceptable. The decision was made in late 1976 to search for another flying site, but it was not until late 1978 or early 1979 that the move to a new field in Dog Rock's Road, Fyansford was made. This field is still in use today.

Since those early days of the club, the GMAA has gone from strength to strength. Along the way we changed our name to the more palatable "GMAA", currently have a solid membership base. The club also takes part in static displays at fairs and functions help to generate interest in the hobby and the club Itself.

For around 7 years (2004 - 2011) the GMAA had two excellent facilities to fly at. But due to the geographical location of each field members would tend to fly at one field or the other. Each field also entertained different types of model aircraft and disciplines from the other. After much discussion, a special general meeting was held on the 14th of December 2010. At this meeting a vote was put forward to divide the GMAA into two separate clubs, and the Bellarine Model Aero Club (BMAC) was created. It was decided the BMAC would continue to operate from the Mannerim field, and the GMAA would base itself at it's most popular and well known field at Dog Rocks.

The GMAA has a long history, one which we are proud of, and we hope to continue to grow in the years to come and to promote this great hobby of ours!

The Committee

Please note that all committee members can be contacted via e-mail and regular mail. Please check out out contacts page for details.

Monthly GMAA Club Meetings & Monthly BBQs

All meetings are held at 11:00am at the Dog Rocks Airfield, Fyansford. Click HERE for the GMAA meeting calendar. **

Dog Rocks Field Details

As mentioned above, the GMAA's flying field is at Dog Rocks, Fyansford. It's very easy to get to, just follow the map below for directions and you'll be there in no time!

Aerial Images

Dog Rocks
Medium Image	Medium Image
Large Image	Large Image

GMAA Club Rules

Like any sporting or hobby organisation, the GMAA has instituted club rules for the benefit of all club members. All existing members should be aware of them, and all new and potential members should study them closely.

The club rules are listed on the second page of the Membership Form. Please visit the membership page to download your copy.

GMAA Conduct and Disciplinary Procedure (Published August 2009)

You can download a copy of the GMAA Disciplinary Procedure HERE **.

** You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed to view the file.