Forbes hang gliding titles get a flying start

The hosts of the event, Sydney Hang Gliding Club, recently sought a donation of $20,000 from council to stage the titles over two weeks in early 2013.

At last week’s July meeting, council agreed to the request, with some slight revisions.

Instead of donating $20,000 in cash, council resolved to continue its annual contribution of $10,000 but will also provide in-kind support and host the event’s official opening.

Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller said the total value of the support offered would virtually match the host’s request.

“We’ve always had $10,000 in our budget [for the Forbes Flatlands titles] and always provided in-kind support,” Cr Miller said.

“What we’ve done [in last Thursday’s resolution] is just account for the donation. We’ll provide the $10,000 donation and $9000 in-kind, which will just involve us tidying up at the airport and getting it up to scratch,” she said.

Cr Miller said council had also agreed to host the official opening of the titles, to be held on the evening of January 5.

The Mayor said council believes the event generates great publicity for Forbes, right around the world.

“We can see the benefits that it brings to town, and the world hang gliding championships will bring a hell of a lot of people to Forbes.

“All those people who come here go back home and it’s amazing where Forbes is shown, all around the world.”

Last January’s Hang Gliding Pre-Worlds competition drew 100 of the world’s best pilots to Forbes.