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The Golden Eagles

The Centre's official Display Team, The Golden Eagles, dominated the parachute display scene in southern Australia for many years.  It performed at the Melbourne and Adelaide Agricultural Shows and many of the regional Agricultural Shows.    It was not until much later that permission from the Department of Civil Aviation was available for parachutes to be jumped into football ovals and eventually tennis courts and the like.

Organised as a professional Display Team, the team drew on Bill Molloy's experience with the US Army Parachute Team, The Golden Knights, and Claude's entrepreneurial marketing.   The team dressed in uniform clothing and jumpsuits manufactured by Southern Cross Parachutes and were heavy into showmanship.  

For special occasions the team would turn up at the event and step from hired limousines in gold lamé jumpsuits,  the ground-crew emerging from their limousine in white jumpsuits to busily construct a fence around a packing area (spectators were encouraged to take an interest in the parachutes and ask questions, with one of the ground crew available to answer them or provide a running commentary).  Others in the ground crew made a display of pandering to every whim of the display jumpers with drinks, etc., treating them as celebrities.   This approach guaranteed the team plenty of publicity and invitations to the VIP festivities at night.

In the beginning the team made mostly stacked, follow the leader, team accuracy displays, using a large orange target with each jumper landing within the target arms, gathering his 'chute and moving to the end of a target arm off the wind line to welcome the jumpers arriving after him.  

Before the advent of relative work, if the team was jumping on an airfield at an airshow, it did the opposite to target jumping; a bomb-burst.   Exiting the aircraft at 8,500ft trailing talc (later smoke), the team would track away from each other with two team members landing on the piano keys at each end of the runway and the others landing at designated points at the extreme edge of the airfield either side of the runway, demonstrating their ability to track horizontally in free fall.  It was also used to convince aviation authorities that the exit point could be corrected in free fall if the jumpers found that the wind had changed since their assessment had been made from the drifter drop.

The Eagles first water jump display was on the 2nd of May 1966, they were invited to jump at a Royal Victorian Motor Yacht Club event at Williamstown, Victoria.   The target was a buoy anchored near the jetty.   It was a contest run to FAI water-jump rules, with the time taken from splash-down to touching the target buoy.    Both Lenny Hunter and Bob Morrison splashed in beside the buoy, placing their hand on the buoy as they touched down, Jim Cox took third place with one and a half seconds from splash-down to touching, with Danny Wright and Dave Lock deciding to land amongst the yachts with spectators onboard.   Claude and Jock Moir were on board the Commodore's yacht acting as ground crew and waiting for the jumpers to splash-down so that they could move to eating and drinking.

The team progressed to freefall baton passes, freefall linkups and then to freefall star formations. Exit height was kept to the minimum, so that the spectators were able to see the jumpers clearly.   As the performance became more demanding, it was necessary for the jumpers to show their freefall movement by leaving a trail to draw the spectators' attention to the jumpers' trajectory.

In Australia it is against the law to carry smoke flares in an aircraft, so the team had large pockets on both legs of their jumpsuits that were filled with talcum powder.   It was surprisingly effective.  The jumpers unzipped the tops of the pockets as they climbed out the door of the aircraft and this let the ground crew know that the team was about to jump.    To lessen the number of complaints about neck pain, the commentator usually warned the spectators not to look up until he told them to.   When he saw the powder trail, he would tell the crowd to look up now and it was easy to see the powder trail and recognise the aircraft and see the small blobs with powder trails leaving the aircraft.  Later it became possible to obtain a waiver to use pyrotechnic smoke on a parachute display and to this day it is necessary to apply to the civil aviation authority for a waiver to do so.

In the early days, displays were restricted to Air Shows on airfields and large country areas on broad acres.    The civil aviation authority gave its officers written directions not to trust parachutists to land in smaller areas.   The Eagles were instrumental in having this attitude changed as they demonstrated their ability performing at Air Shows in Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and New South Wales.    The next step was to convince the authorities that areas smaller than airfields were suitable for parachute displays and the team then performed at Flemington Racecourse, Moonee Valley Racecourse, Ballarat Racecourse and many other smaller country racecourses, mostly for events other than horse races.

After a great deal of effort by the Australian Parachute Federation, Agricultural Showgrounds, which are usually about the size of two or three football grounds, were approved by the civil aviation authority for skydiving displays provided a very stringent set of conditions were met.   For many years the Golden Eagles jumped regularly at the Melbourne Show (10 days), the Adelaide Show (6 days), Geelong Show (3 days), Ballarat Show (2 days), Bendigo Show (2 days), Horsham Show (2 days) and the Lang Lang Rodeo (1day).  As the Golden Eagles was primarily made up of Centre instructors, it was sometimes difficult to supply enough personnel for so many displays.    So highly experienced display jumpers, sometimes from interstate, were often invited to take part in these displays. 

Later, as approvals for smaller dropzones became available, the Eagles began jumping into small arenas like the Melbourne Cricket Ground, St. Kilda Football Ground, Olympic Park and into the Yarra River alongside Melbourne's central business district during the Moomba Festival.

Some of the Eagles displays were water landings, in addition to the Williamstown display mentioned above, there was the Australia Day Mardi Gras onto Eastern Beach, Geelong and the Speedboat Races on Glenmaggi Weir and Lake Wallace. The first Legal parachute jump over a built up area in Victoria was made by the Golden Eagles on the 3rd of March 1971 into Monash University onto the grassed area beside the Union Building.  

In the 80's there were times when the team used larger aircraft and put together large star formations into events like the Melbourne Show.    On one occasion, the 20-Way star broke and the jumpers were having difficulty pulling the break together.   Claude was the commentator and he covered for the break by announcing immediately the star broke "And now the star is converted to a horse-shoe in honour of the equestrian events"

There were times when the Eagles were asked to perform in other ways than skydiving displays.   The International truck hijacking was one such event. 

There were few professional commentators that Claude would trust with the microphone, so if the regular show commentator did not have a flare for dramatic event calling he would many times take on the job himself.   He preferred to jump but believed that the a parachuting display was as much about entertainment as it was about promoting parachuting and so expected the commentator to keep the crowd involved in the jump from jump-run until the jumpers had landed and made their lap of honor around the enclosure perimeter and exited the oval.

Ray Foster packing for a display at Geelong Showground from the Channel 9 chopper

 

The
Golden
Eagles

In the beginning the team was made up of the Labertouche instructors but as the team became more popular it became necessary to induct suitable jumpers into the team.    Until the research is finished many of the team members will only have the date and/or place of their first display with the team.

Claude Gillard

Claude and Steve Filak made their first display jump together at Labertouche from a Piper Tri-Pacer in January 1961.   A 10 second delay from 2,000 feet.

As sport parachuting grew and landing accuracy progressed from being measured in hundreds of yards to centimetres, it was difficult to convince government authorities that some parachutists had mastered the art of landing accurately and could be trusted to land in tight (small) areas.

Claude played a leading role in changing the authority's attitude and bringing more reasonable laws to display jumping.

When he decided to earn a living from parachuting, it was necessary to be a jack of all parachuting trades to make ends meet.   In the beginning, display jumping was mostly used as a promotion for the parachute training school but as the civil aviation regulations were eased and displays could be made into smaller areas, they became an important part of the income stream, used to finance the training, commerce and rigging sides of the enterprise.

As the Australian Parachute Federation's main contact with the Department of Civil Aviation, Claude had a considerable influence on the change in the Department's attitude.

It was some time before other jumpers realised that display jumping could be part of the entertainment industry.

Claude still acts as commentator for parachute displays whenever asked to do so.

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William Molloy

Bill Spent a few months on military parachuting courses with the US Army Parachute Team on his way back from the 1966 World Parachute Championships in Leutkirsch, and accompanied them on all of their display jumps while he was with them.   Mostly jumping into Baseball Diamonds.

The Display Team made use of everything he had learned about display jumping except for the 1,000 ft openings.  Though it did fit the twin pilot-chute system that the Knights used to ensure quick low openings.

Before his tour of duty in Vietnam, most of Bill's passion was in sport parachuting. A Lieutenant in the 1st Royal Victorian Regiment, Citizens Military Forces, he volunteered for duty in the Vietnam Conflict and spent an extended tour on active duty.

Upon his return to Australia he was offered to have his field rank of Major made substantive and the position of Officer Commanding Parachute Training School should he elect to join the permanent army. 

He decided to accept the offer and made arrangements to sign over his interest in the Centre to Claude.

Bill went jumping the next weekend at a dropzone in Queensland and was traveling in the back seat of a friend's car on the way back from the dropzone when the car hit a bridge pylon and suffered fatal injuries.

It was a great loss to sport parachuting and Australian military parachuting, because of his involvement with the US Army Parachute Team he was one of the most qualified military parachutists in the country. 

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Steve Filak 

Steve was the Operations Officer of the Golden Eagles.  As the Eagles developed into a highly professional team and found that even the best commentators at big events had no knowledge of skydiving and gave bland descriptions of the Eagles displays.   If Claude were not on the jump, he would take over the microphone and do the commentary.   Show Ringmasters recognised that the informed commentary gave the display more spectator appeal and would request Claude as the Event Commentator.   That became the norm and from then on the full responsibility for the display operations fell on Steve's shoulders.

Steve had been the preferred Display Jumpmaster since the team was formed.  Choosing the team exit point was critical in the days before high performance parachute canopies and Steve a master in this area.

Steve's habit of always choosing the exit point for the worst possible situation paid off when jumping into the Adelaide agricultural show, Bruce Towers had a rotating malfunction.  Bruce was wearing a video camera on his helmet and calmly filmed the malfunction before cutting away onto a small round reserve. Steve's spotting paid off with Bruce landing on the target.

Steve was always prepared to turn his hand to whatever was needed on the dropzone and as he was the fastest packer and most knowledgeable equipment inspector, over time he added role of Centre Rigger to his role of student continuation training.   This resulted in most of his parachuting being student supervision and display jumping.

As Claude spent more and more time overseas, Steve also took on a lot of the administration tasks as well.  A lot of budding sky gods owe him for steering them through the basics.

He was the Golden Eagles' "Chief of Operations".

Lennie Hunter

Lennie was an all round jumper who performed well in competition and as a "Fun Jumper".

A quite young bloke when he took up parachuting, after completing the Southern Cross Skydivers Instructor Course he became a self-confident skydiver with an outgoing personality.

One of the six skydivers who took part in the world-best 5-Way (6 person) baton pass at Pakenham in 1963, he earned the title "Skydiver" at a time when few in the world could aspire to that honour.

A trusted member of the Golden Eagles.

These days, Lennie lives in the Darwin and works for a local media organisation.

James Moir
Jock was a mainstay of the Display Team in the early days of the Centre, he had been on the Southern Cross Skydivers Display Team.

Jock was a member of the Golden Eagles from May 1966 but departed for overseas and first jumped with the Golden Eagles upon his return at the Longwarry Rodeo on the 24th of January 1970.

Williamstown Yacht Club, May 1966

Eric Meerkin
Rick was part of the Southern Cross Skydivers core group in the 60's and transitioned to the Eagles in 1966.   He was involved in the Lang Lang Rodeo displays.

 

Jimmie Davis

Jimmie was an early member of the Southern Cross Skydivers Display Team and he transitioned to the Golden Eagles and enjoyed display jumping.

A memorable moment we have of Jimmie is from the Hobart Regatta 1965 where Southern Cross Skydivers made a water jump from 7,500 feet wearing wet suits.   The team was to make a 3-Way star but jumping wet suits with very little drag gave them a very fast fall rate and each relative movement required much less use of control surfaces than normal.  Jimmie didn't make it into the formation.    The 250,000 spectators were ecstatic about the jump and in the radio interview that was being broadcast on site immediately following the jump, Jimmie was asked "How come you didn't join the formation".   He answered "We exited over the Hobart Town Hall and the city below was such a beautiful site that I was gawking at the scenery too long and I ran out of time"  The crowd went mad and cheered long enough to interrupt the interview.   There was radio not television but Jimmie was a very popular guy in Hobart that night.

Dennis Clarke

Dennis, an ex-US Marine first jumped as a Golden Eagle at Kilmore Racecource 16th of October 1966.

Thomas Ennis

Tommy first jumped as a Golden Eagle at a Kerang Airport Airshow on the 13th November 1966,

Anthony Rockley
 
Tony jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Lang Lang Rodeo in March 1867 and April 1969
Ronald Pearsall
Ron first jumped as a Golden Eagle into the Longwarry Hotel on the 27th of January 1968.
John Fraser

John first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Pambula Show, NSW on the 3rd of February 1868.
James Kemp
 
Jim first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Pambula Show, NSW on the 3rd of February 1968.
Bryn Hillman

 
Bryn first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Lang Lang Rodeo on the 3rd of February 1968.
Anthony Curl U

Tony first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Lang Lang Rodeo on the 15th April 1968. 

He was a core member of the team until he was killed in a motor cycle accident.

Dennis Steinfort
Dennis first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Lang Lang Rodeo on the 15 April 1968,

Lang Lang Rodeo on the 15th of October 1968.

Ray Williams

Ray first jumped as a Golden Eagle at Coldstream in April 1969 and is a Jack of all trades in skydiving. 

He spent some time in the USA working for Strong Enterprises and six months in Malaysia setting up a parachute manufacturing facility.

His involvement in BASE jumping surprised many in the skydiving establishment.   His most outstanding venture in that field was to hike through the Tasmanian forest to leap off Frenchman's Cap.

He excelled as an FAI Judge and has judged a great number of World Championships.   For a number of years he was the only FAI Judge to be rated in every parachuting discipline.  These days he is a guru amongst artistic event judges and is in demand as an artistic event judge.

He was APF Director Judging for 1981 and again from 1986 to 1994

He is currently studying business administration full time and fitting overseas judging assignments into his curriculum.

He still lives in Balaclava, Victoria and still devotes most of his spare time to parachuting in one form or another.

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Russell Jones

Russell first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Kilmore Showgrounds 19th of October 1968.

 

Gene Bermingham

Gene, an army sergeant and parachuting instructor, was transferred to Melbourne in October of 1969 and went to work as an instructor at the Centre.

Gene first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Geelong Show on the 16th of October 1969.  He was an outstanding member of the Golden Eagles and participated in every display while he was at Labertouche until he ran foul of the Bald Eagle by bringing a girlfriend to a display where the team was living in a five bedroom house with only one bathroom and the girlfriend held up everybody for more than  an hour making up her face and everybody was late for dinner.   

Gene was warned not to bring her again but brought her along to the next display relying on his Sergeant Bilko tongue to get around the problem.   It didn't work and Gene was banished for three months from displays.

At the same display, he borrowed Bald Eagle's brand new wrist Altimaster and landed in the water with it on.    

Gene was also well known for his enjoyment of the ten course dinners served every night to the Eagles at the Paynesville Hotel/Motel after they had jumped onto the foreshore or into the swimming pool, every hour on the hour over a five day Easter period each year.

He now lives in Brisbane with his wife Hong and son Nong Doi.

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Tony Hillman U

Tony's first Golden Eagles display was at the Geelong Show on the 16th of October 1969 and he was part of the display team until he left parachuting many years later.
David Tapp

Dave first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Geelong Show on the 12th of October 1969   Tyabb Air Pageant 27/12/70   
Lang Lang Rodeo 23/04/73     24/01/71 Tooradin Air Pageant
Robin Rose

Robin first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Cootamundra Agricultral Show on the 16th of October 1969.   

Roy Taylor

Roy's first Golden Eagles display was at the Kilmore Showgrounds on the 19th of October 1969.

 

Robert Courtenay

Bob came to the Centre as a foundation member of Monash Skydivers. He became a parachute instructor but found that his interest in flying did not allow him time to give both activities the attention required to do well in both.   So he chose flying and eventually went into partnership with another Centre pilot, purchased a Piper Navajo and started a charter business.

Bob's first jump as a Golden Eagle was at the Tyabb Airshow on the 28th December 1969.  He enjoyed jumping into Monash University each time the Eagles had a display there.

He has had a successful career in aviation and now flies corporate aircraft in Australia and overseas.   

Alan Eden

Alan first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Longwarry Rodeo on the 24th of January 1970.

Bruce Towers

Bruce first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Longwarry Rodeo on the 24th of January 1970.

Jenny  
Rod Wilson

Rod's first jump as a Golden Eagle was at the Geelong Show on the 15th of October 1970.

A core member of the display team, he particularly enjoyed the displays at the Adelaide Show, because the showground was in a tight built up area and the team was domiciled next to the beach.

Rod has had a successful business life and has never lost his love of jumping.

He is at present managing Rambler's Dropzone at Toogoolawah.

Richard Molony

Tug's first jump as a Golden Eagle was at the Kilmore Gymkhana on the 18th of October 1970.

Geoff Thomas

Geoff's first jump as a Golden Eagle was at the Devonport Air Pageant on the 22nd of February 1970.

Bernard Shaw

Bernie first jumped as a Golden Eagle at Kilmore Racecourse on the 18th of October 1970

Michael Rose

Mike first jumped as a Golden Eagle at Kilmore Racecourse on the 18th of October 1970

Leslie-Ann Martin

Leslie Ann first jumped as a Golden Eagle at Yarrawonga Aerodrome on the 22nd of November 1970

Colin Holt

Colin first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Lang Lang Rodeo on the 12th of April 1971.

He was a core member of the team while jumping at Labertouche and often came back to perform with it after he had moved away.

Hugh Martin- Levorsen

Hugh first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Peaches and Cream Festival, Cobram on the 14th of April 1971.

Michael Golden

Goldie's first jump as a Golden Eagle was at the Geelong Show on the 16th of October 1971.

John Parker

John's first jump as a Golden Eagle was at the Kilmore Races on the 17th of October 1971.

Natalia Faine

Natalie's first jump as a Golden Eagle was into the Drouin Swimming Pool on the 30th of October 1971

Wendy Stapleton

Wendy first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Geelong Show on the 21st of October 1972.

Andrew Kerr

Andrew first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Lang Lang Rodeo on the 23rd of April 1973.

Alex McQuibban

Alex first jumped as a Golden Eagle at Monash University Open Day on the 11th of August 1973

Anthony Duckworth

Tony first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Kilmore Racecource on the 21st October 1973.

Alan Ebel

Alan first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Edenhope Oval on the 9th of February 1974.

Phillip Kemm
 

Phillip first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Trafalgar Oval on the 10th of February 1974.

Carol Owens

Carol first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Tongala Peaches and Cream Festival on the 14th of February 1974.

Frank McCulloch

Frank first jumped as a Golden Eagle at Monash University on the 6th of March 1974.

Sue Weibanda

Sue first jumped as a Golden Eagle at Finley, New South Wales in March 1974.

Ian Nelson
 

Ian first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Longwarry Oval on the 17th March 1974 and later at the Horsham Show on the 28th of September 1977 and the Geelong Show on the 13th of October 1977.

13/10/1977

John Davies
 

John first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Longwarry Oval on the 17th of March 1974.   He particularly enjoyed jumping into Monash University on the 28th of July 1974 and the Geelong Show on the 17th of October 1974.

Peter Warren

Peter first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Longwarry Oval on the 17th of March 1974.

Amongst his jumps with the team he enjoyed the jumps into Monash University and into the Bright Woodchop Championships, even though he bruised his heel on that one.

A keen photographer, Peter was always ready to capture a good photo.

Garry Aberdeen
 

Gary first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the 17/03/1974  Longwarry Oval on the 17th of March 1974.

He landed out at the Geelong Show on the 17th October 1974 and broke a few tiles on a church roof.

Robert Courtenay
Bob first jumped as a Golden Eagle at Hastings Foreshore on the 13th October 1974.
Natalia Faine

Natalie first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Charlton Show on the 19th October 1974.

Colin Kemp
 

Colin first jumped as a Golden Eagle at Edenhope on the ?? of ?? 1975

Ray Williams

Ray first jumped as a Golden Eagle at Wynyard, Tasmania on the 7th of March 1976

David Britten
 

David first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Geelong Agricultural Show on the 14th of October 1976

Frank McCulloch

Frank first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Geelong Agricultural Show on the 14th of October 1976

Sandra Kane

Sandy first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Geelong Agricultural Show on the 14th of October 1976

Ruth Grantley

Ruth first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Geelong Agricultural Show on the 14th of October 1976

John Dash

John first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Dandenong Show on the 14th of November 1976.

Greg Clutton
 

Greg first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Dandenong Show on the 14th of November 1976.

Sue Walker

Sue first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Bright Woodchop Championships in January 1977.

Ray Foster U
 
Ray first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Geelong Agricultural Show.  Ex British Airborne, Ray emigrated from England with Colin Holt and became a fair dinkum Aussie with a broad English accent.   

He gave a sterling performance on the Anglesea job, where the Eagles staged an airborne truck hijacking designed to bring to the attention of the proving grounds security the need to beef up surveillance on the International prototype truck.

A serious jumper, he was heavy into the social life of Australian Skydiving.   

Ray reasoned that if he was to make a BASE jump it should be from a place where he would have plenty of time to open his parachute and so travelled to Norway and the Troll Wall where there was plenty of height after leaving the top of the cliff.  He missed his footing on launch and did not clear the rock face and the jump ended in tragedy.

Ray was a joy to be with, his smiling face and high spirits made you feel good and as he would have wanted it, we celebrate his life with a drink whenever his friends are together.

Gary Leth

10/11/78 Ballarat Show

Bernard Shaw U

Bernie first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Dandenong Agricultural Show in November 1978 and jumped every year there until November 1981.

He also performed at the Swan Hill Agricultural Show in October 1980 and at many local skydiving displays in the Labertouche/Latrobe Valley districts.

Bernie was the original administrator of POPS Down Under.   POPS (Parachutists Over Phorty Society) is a world wide organisation that originated in the USA.   He organised the 1st Down Under POPS Meet at Labertouche in 1981.

Bernie and Tony Edwards organised the 1st World POPS Meet, at the Ettemoga Pub, a few kilometres north of Albury, NSW in 19??

The World POPS Meet was back in Australia in April 2008 at Toogoolawah, Queensland.

Ian Nelson Ian first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Dandenong Show on the 11th of November 1978.
Michael Timewell

Michael first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Dandenong Show on the on the 18th of October 1979.

Jay Lazarus Jay first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Melbourne Agricultural Show on the 10th of November 1979.
Richard McCooey

Richard's first jump as a Golden Eagle was into Monash University on the 22nd of July 1980. He took to display jumping and gained valuable experience under Steve Filak and Colin Holt.

Once Labertouche closed, he, Greg Chambers and Chris Hutter formed the Philips Display Team.

The Philips Display Team took advantage of the advanced display facilities available in the USA and obtained United States Parachute Association professional display qualifications while there.

During the next 20 years he was part of various teams that completed displays in Australia and overseas including major events such as Grand Final football fixtures, Grand Prix motor racing events and International Airshows.

Richard is an executive with considerable experience in the role of CEO.  He is at present managing a company in China.

Malcolm Corp

Malcolm first jumped as a Golden Eagle at Monash University on the 22nd of July 1980.

 

 

Stuart Taylor
 
Stuart first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Melton Gift Athletic Carnival on the 17th of February 1980.
Jeniffer
Barradel-Smith
 
Jenny first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Melton Gift Athletic Carnival on the 17th of February 1980.
Rob Payne

Rob first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the ??
Steve Taylor
 
Steve first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Swan Hill Agricultural Show on the 3rd of October 1980.
Alan Stephens
Alan first jumped as a Golden Eagle at a local Labertouche display on the 15th of March 1981.
John Cook
Cookie first jumped as a Golden Eagle at a local Labertouche display on the 15th of March 1981.

John was the United Kingdom Top Pop (Leader of the Parachutists Over Phorty Society) and enticed by Colin Holt, came to Australia to visit for a year or two.   He involved himself totally in sport parachuting whilst here and spent most weekends on the dropzone at Labertouche.

On his return to England, he settled in the Lakes District in the north.   Last time we had contact with Cookie, he was was running an exclusive small bar restaurant in a 1,000 year old structure.

Peter Wyer U
 
Peter first jumped as a Golden Eagle at a local Labertouche display on the 15th of March 1981.
Greg Butler
 
Greg first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Fountain Gate Shopping Centre, Narre Warren on the 6th of October 1981.
Russell Lee
Russell first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Dandenong Show on the 14th of November 1981.
Col. Sam Smalley

Sam first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Opening Ceremony of the "Friends of the Environment" National Park on ?? Island on the 28th of February 1982.

Having taken off from Tooradin Airfield a number of the jumpers had purchased crayfish to bring with them for a picnic lunch.  Having no carry bags or big enough pockets to put the crays in, they put them down the front of their jumpsuits.  Not such a good idea, on opening shock the crays all took a dive back into the sea.

Colin Holt tells a good version of the story if you ask him about it.

 Sam and Malcolm Corp were a big hit with Toorak ladies.

Ken McCleay

Ken first jumped as a Golden Eagle onto a cricket pitch in the Dandenong Ranges.

Graham Branford

Graham first jumped as a Golden Eagle at Wash Oval, Moonee Ponds on the 26th of March 1983.

John Chapman

John first jumped as a Golden Eagle at Longwarry Oval on the 21st of August 1983.

David Badyk

Dave first jumped as a Golden Eagle at Longwarry Oval on the 21st of August 1983.

Damien Sidnell

Damien first jumped as a Golden Eagle at Monash University Orientation Day on the 26th of January 1985.

Daniel Mathiesen

Danny first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Builder's Labourers Annual Picnic, Moonee Valley Racecourse on the 2nd of October 1985

Ross Barstow

Ross first jumped as a Golden Eagle at the Builder's Labourers Annual Picnic, Moonee Valley Racecourse on the 2nd of October 1985.

 

Guest Jumpers
Bob Morrison
Williamstown Yacht Club, May 1966 
James Cox
Williamstown Yacht Club, May 1966 
Danny Wright
Williamstown Yacht Club, May 1966 
David Lock
Williamstown Yacht Club, May 1966 
Art Littlemore

Pambula Show, NSW 3/2/68
Gordon Gecele

Willow Grove Carnival 26th January 1969
Lawrence Trotter
 
Willow Grove Carnival 26th January 1969
Trevor Burns

Devonport Airshow, Tasmania 16/3/69

Geelong Show 20/10/1972

Ian Leslie
Ian first jumped with the Golden Eagles at Glengarry on the 5th of April 1969.
Jan Melrose
Geelong Show 18/10/69 and 14th to 16th October 1971
William Kenny U
Bill was a regular guest jumper with the Eagles.  He loved display jumps and always played to the crowd.  He first jumped with the Eagles at Tyabb Airshow on 28/12/69.

He had a rapport with the media that did not always work to his advantage.   He once took sick leave from his job to jump in the Australian Championships in Western Australia.   His photograph appeared on the front page of a Melbourne newspaper reaching for the disc on landing.   He got a telegram from the boss; "Congratulations on your success in the competition, don't bother reporting upon your return".

On another occasion he went AWL from work to jump at the Melbourne Show.    The newspapers published a picture of him in their coverage of the show and he was in deep strife at the building site.

A building worker and crane driver, wherever possible Bill would jump into whatever site he was working on.  On at least one occasion that was onto the top of a high rise building in the CBD. 

Billy was true blue Aussie and a staunch unionist.   He jumped every year at the Builders Labourer's Annual Picnic and never missed a skydiving event or a party.

Joh Weber
Joh first jumped with the Golden Eagles at the Kilmore Racecourse on the 19th of October 1969.

Paynesville Sport Spectacular on the 2nd of January 1970.

David Hobbs U

Dave jumped with the Golden Eagles at the Lang Lang Rodeo on the 30th of march 1970

Bruce Brogan

Bruce jumped with the Golden Eagles at the Longwarry Hotel on the2nd of April 1970

Derek Doull
 

Derek jumped with the Golden Eagles at the

 

Ian Handley

Ian was a keen competition jumper and Australian Accuracy Champion in 19??, 19?? etc.   He had his own parachuting display act that he performed at the Sydney Agricultural show.   He was a one man show that started off as a straight jump, then he introduced a moving target and landed on the pillion seat of a motor cycle with bike in motion.  This developed to a landing in the back of a Utility (Small truck) and later on the top of a double-decker bus.    A true entrepreneurial showman.

The Golden Eagles always recognised talent and invited Ian on some of its bigger displays.   His performance was always flawless.

Ian earned the name "Which Foot" from his accuracy training technique.  When approaching the target disc on accuracy training jumps he would call out to the ground crew "Which Foot?".    He would get a reply "Left" or "Right" and he would then strike at the disc with that foot.   Such a technique requires absolute self-confidence

After Ian gave up competing, he was asked by a cheeky jumper "What's it like to be a has-been?".   Ian replied without hesitation "Better than being a never-was".

Ian was a member of the 1972 Australian Parachute Team and competed at the 11th World Parachuting Championships hosted in Tahlequah, North Carolina, USA.    

Noel Weckert U
 

Noel first jumped with the Golden Eagles at the Bayswater Oval on the 9th of December 1973.

Tony Edwards

Tony first jumped with the Golden Eagles at the Geelong Show  17/10/1974

Tony was a regular guest jumper with the Eagles.  Particularly at country regional shows.    

John Middleton

John was mostly involved in football half-time jumps with the team.

David Millard

David first jumped with the Golden Eagles at the Melbourne Agricultural show on the 17th of September 1976. He particularly enjoyed jumping at the Melbourne Agricultural Show each year.  

His real love was competition jumping and he represented Australia at World as a competitor and as a Meet Director.  He took part in many competitions at all levels. 

On one occasion, David stole the limelight at a Melbourne Show. He was approaching the arena at about 500 feet using a classic accuracy technique and as he turned his five cell ram air parachute towards the arena, one side of the canopy rolled under and David was back in free fall for a brief period until the canopy opened again at about 250 feet.  This left him with barely enough height to make it back into the arena and he had to lift his legs to avoid touching the edge of the grandstand roof as he flew his canopy straight for the target and made a last second hook turn to stand up in the centre of the target square.

The spectators in the north stand had a clear view of all of this and when the parachute collapsed, there was an loud gasp from the crowd.   When the parachute opened again there was another loud gasp from the crowd.

David was now on the edge of the wind cone and he had to lift his legs to avoid landing downwind on the roof of the stand, he made a quick hook-turn and landed on the target arms the crowd burst into wild applause.   

As the Eaglemobile took the team on the "Lap of Honour" around the trotting track, the north stand spectators gave them a standing ovation in appreciation for the spectaclar show.   Most of them believed that it was all part of the act.    David showed no sign of being perturbed by the incident, which in fact had been a close shave.

Bill Nichol
 
Monash University   12/8/72

Geelong Show on the 21/10/72.

Maury Loney
 
Geelong Show 20/10/1972
Ron Draper
Ron made his first jump with the Golden Eagle at Lang Lang Rodeo on the 23rd of April 1973
Michael Wearinga
Lilydale District Nursing Hospital - Lilydale Airport 2nd of January 1974
Hugh Downie
 
Melbourne Show 17/10/1974    
Geelong Show 19/10/1974
Brian Kilpatrick

Geelong Show 19/10/1974
Peter Johnston U
 
Peter first jumped with the Golden Eagles at the Geelong Show on the 18th October 1974
Geoff Ashton
 
16/03/1975
Graham Hill

16/03/1975
John Dash

Dash first jumped with the Golden Eagles at the Geelong Show on the 5th of October 1975.  

Tony  Lawrence

 

Tony jumped with the Golden Eagles at the Geelong Show on the 17th October 1975.

Tony Holtham

Tony first jumped with the Golden Eagles at the Melbourne Agricultural Show on the 19th and 22nd of September 1977.
Peter Stevenson

Peter jumped with the Golden Eagles at the Melbourne Agricultural Show on the 19th and 22nd of September 1977.
John Middleton

John first jumped with the Golden Eagles at the Melbourne Agricultural Show on the 19th and 22nd of September 1977.
Nicolas Bryden

 

Nick jumped with the Golden Eagles at the Melbourne Agricultural Show on the 25th of September 1977.
Colin Streeter
 
Colin jumped with the Golden Eagles at the Geelong Show on the 13th of Octrober 1977 and again at the Ballarat Show on the 12th of November 1977.
John Donahue
 
John jumped with the Golden Eagles at the Geelong Show on the 13th of Octrober 1977 and again at the Ballarat Show on the 12th of November 1977.
Maggie Taylor
Maggie first jumped with the Golden Eagles at the Dandenong Agricultural Show on the 12th of November 1977.
Frank Murphy
 
Frank jumped with the Golden Eagles at the Dandenong Agricultural Show on the 12th of November 1977. 
Greg Graham

Greg first jumped with the Golden Eagles at the Dandenong Showgrounds on the 25th of March 1978.
John Bate

John first jumped with the Golden Eagles at the Dandenong Showgrounds on the 25th of March 1978.
J.V. Gillis Jumped with the Golden Eagles at Richard Moloney's wedding on he 22nd of April 1978.
Patrick McHugh

Paddy firat jumped with the Golden Eagles at the Tyabb Air Pageant on the 10th of March 1979.
Bruce Bramhill

Bruce jumped with the Golden Eagles at Monbulk Mountain Festival on the 10th of March 1979.
Karl Sprogis

Carl jumped with the Golden Eagles at a Leongatha Airfield Display on the 18th of March 1979.
Thomas Kenny

Tommy jumped with the Golden Eagles at the Dandenong Show on the 10th of November 1979.
Philip O'Brien

Phil jumped with the Golden Eagles at the Melbourne Agricultural Show on the 10th of November 1979.
Noel Rath

Noel jumped with the Golden Eagles at the Melbourne Agricultural Show on the 10th of November 1979.
Doc Henderson

 

Doc jumped with the Golden Eagles at the Melbourne Agricultural Show on the 10th of November 1979.
Rod Cullen

Rod first jumped with the Golden Eagles at the Department of Agriculture Picnic on the 9th December 1979.
Ralph Presgrave

Ralph jumped with the Golden Eagles at the Wandin Cherry Festival on the 24th of November 1981.
Matthew Hoskin Matthew jumped with the Golden Eagles at the Longwarry Rodeo on the 3rd of March 1982
Benjamin Page Ben first jumped with the Golden Eagles at the Longwarry Rodeo on the 3rd of March 1982
David Simmons Dave first jumped with the Golden Eagles at the Longwarry Rodeo on the 3rd of March 1982
Roy Pritchett Roy jumped with the Golden Eagles onto Beaumaris Oval on the 19th of February 1983
Graham Cooper Graham jumped with the Golden Eagles at a Dandenong Hospital Display on the 19th of March 1983
Graham Shea Graham jumped with the Golden Eagles at Wash Oval, Moonee Valley on the 21st of August 1983.

 

Golden Eagles Display Jumps

Hazelwood Pondage

Claude Gillard, Bill Molloy, Len Hunter, Alan Eden

13th February 1966
Williamstown Royal Victorian Yacht Club
Len Hunter, Bob Morrison, Danny Wright, 
JIm Cox, David Lock
1st of May 1966
Kilmore Racecourse - St. Vincent De Paul Jymkhana
Len Hunter, Dennis Clarke, ??.
16th October 1966
Kerang Airport
Steve Filak, Len Hunter and Tom Ennis
13th November 1966
Lang Lang Rodeo
Sreve Filak, Rick Meerkin, ??, ??.
2nd March 1967
Ballarat Airport
Steve Filak, Bill Molloy, Len Hunter, ??, ??.
19th March 1967
Lang Lang Rodeo
Steve Filak, Len Hunter, Rick Meerkin, Tony Lockley?.
27th March 1967
Kilmore Racecourse - St. Vincent De Paul Jymkhana
Claude Gillard, Steve Filak, Len Hunter, ??.
22nd October 1967
Birregurra Racecourse
Len Hunter, Tom Ennis, ??.
9th of December 1967

Longwarry Hotel
Bill Molloy, Steve Filak, Len Hunter, Ron Pearsal, ?,

27th of January 1968

Pambula Agricultural Show
John Fraser, Jim Kemp, Bryn Hilman, ?

3rd February 1968
Pardoe Airport - Devenport Air Pageant

 

23rd February 1968
Lang Lang Rodeo
Len Hunter, Steve Filak, Tony Curl, Jim Kemp, Tony Rockley and Dennis Steinfort
15th April 1968
Kilmore Racecourse - St. Vincent De Paul Jymkhana
Steve Filak, Len Hunter, John Fraser, Allan Eden & Dennis Steinfort
20th October 1968
Grovedale Airport - Air Pageant
Steve Filak, Len Hunter, Russell Jones, Alison Baxter
1st December 1968
Ballarat Racecourse
Tony Hillman, Russell Jones, ?, ?, ?
29th December 1968
Willow Grove
Steve Filak, Lawrece Trotter, Gordon Gecele,
26th January 1969
Paynseville Fly-In Motel (Opening of 1st Australian Fly-In Motel)
Claude Gillard, Steve Filak, Tony Hillman, Russell Jones, Tony Curl
8th March 1969
Devonport Airport
Steve Filak, Len Hunter, Tony Curl and Trevor Burns.
16th March 1969
Glengarry
Steve Filak, Ian Leslie, Tony Hillman and Russell Jones
5th April 1969

Lang Lang Rodeo
Claude Gillard, Steve Filak,Tony Hillman, Bill Kenny, Tony Rockley

7th April 1969
Coldstream
Steve Filak, Tony Curl, Rod Wilson, Ray Williams
13th April 13th April 1969
Kilmore Agricultural Show
Steve Filak, Roy Taylor, Russell Jones,
19 October 1969
Geelong Show

Claude Gilard, Steve Filak, Gene Bermingham, Tony Hllman, David Tapp

12th October 1969
Cootamundra Agricultural Show, NSW
Steve Filak, Robin Rose, Gene Bermingham, Tony Hillman, Tony Curl & Dave Tapp
16th to 18th October 1969
Kilmore Racecourse - St. Vincent De Paul Jymkhana
Steve Filak, Tony Hillman, Tony Curl, Jo Weber
19th October 1969
Paynesville Fly-In Motel
Claude Gillard, Steve Filak, Gene Bermingham, Jo Weber
26-27th December 1969
Westernport Airfield - Tyabb Air Pageant

Claude Gillard, Steve Filak, Tony Hillman. Bill Kenny, Bob Coutenay, ?,

28th December 1969
Paynesville Sport Spectacular

Claude Gillard, Steve Filak, Tony Hillman, Gene Bermingham, Anthony Curl, David Tapp, Natalia Faine, Jo Weber.

28 December 1969 to 2nd January 1970
Longwarry Rodeo
Bruce Towers, Robin Rose Alan Eden
24 January 1970
Devonport Air Show, Tasmania
Steve Filak, Robin Rose, Rod Wilson, Geoff Thomas
22nd February
Lang Lang Rodeo
Steve Filak, Tony Hillman, Gene Bermingham, Tony Curl, David Hobbs.
30th March 1970
Longwarry Hotel
Steve Filak, Bruce Towers, Jenny ?, Bruce Brogan
2st April 1970

Geelong Show

Steve Filak, Tony Hillman, Gene Bermingham, Rod Wilson, Tony Curl, Geoff Thoma, Bernard Shaw, Robin Rose and Russell Jones.

15th - 18th October 1970
Cootamundra
Steve Filak, Tony Curl,Tony Hillman and Russell Jones
17th October 1970

Kilmore Racecourse - St. Vincent De Paul Jymkhana

Steve Filak, Rod Wilson,  Tony Curl, Richard Molony, Bernard Shaw,
Michael Rose, Tony Hillman and Russell Jones.

18th October 1970

Yarrawonga Aerodrome - Air Pageant
Steve Filak, Robin Rose, Leslie-Ann Martin, Tony Hillman and Russell Jones

1st November 1970

Launceston Airport - AVIAT '70 Air Pageant

Claude Gillard, Steve Filak, Tony Hillman, Gene Bermingham, Rod Wilson, Russell Jones, Geoff Thomas.

22nd November 1970
Moorabbin Airport - Aviat 70
Steve Filak, James Moir, Tony Hillman, Russell Jones, Gene Bermingham, Rod Wilson and Robin Rose.
6th December, 1970
Camberfield Drive-In Theatre - Children's Xmas Party
Santa: Steve Filak. Helpers: Gene Bermingham, Tony Hillman and Robin Rose
12 December 1970
Tyabb Airport - Airshow
Steve Filak, Tony Hillman, Dave Tapp
27 December 1970
Tooradin Airport
Steve Filak, Tony Hillman, Dave Tapp,
24 January 1971
Trafalgar High Schools 10th March 1971
Shepparton Show
Steve Filak, ?, ?, ?,
28th June 1971
Monash University
Steve Filak, Russell Jones, Roy Taylor
3rd March 1971
Morning Star Boys Home, Mornington - Horse Show and Fair
Steve Filak, Richard Molony, Tony Hillman
20th March 1971
Cobram - Peaches 'n Cream Festival
Steve Filak, Roy Taylor, Richard Molony, Russell Jones, Hugh Martin-Levorsen
10th to 14th April 1971
Lang Lang Rodeo
Steve Filak, Colin Holt, Richard Molony, Hugh Martin-Levorsen
12th April 1971
Kilmore Racecourse - St. Vincent De Paul Jymkhana

 

23rd April 1971
Longwarry Hotel
Steve Filak, Geoff Thomas,
5th September 1971
Geelong Show
Claude Gillard, Steve Filak, Roy Taylor, John Parker, David Tapp, Tony Curl, Jo Weber, Jan Melrose, Mike Golden.
14th - 16th October 1971
Kilmore Racecourse
Claude Gillard, Steve Filak, David Tapp, Leslie-Ann Martin, John Parker
17th October 1971
Drouin Swimming Pool
Steve Filak, Robin Rose, Leslie-Ann Martin, Natalia Faine.
30th October 1971
Paynsville Fly-In Motel
Steve Filak, Rod Wilson, Andrew Kerr, Ray Williams, Yo Weber
4th December 1971
Edenhope
Steve Filak, Leslie-Ann Martin, ?, ?,
12th February 1972
Trafalgar High School
Steve Filak, Tony Hillman, Tony Curl, Bernard Shaw
10th March 1972
Berwick Airfield
Steve Filak, Colin Holt, Tony Hillman,
12th March 1972
Ken Little's Farm - Community Aid Abroad March 1972
Korumburra
Steve Filak, Tony Hillman, Russell Jones
1st April 1972
Lang Lang Rodeo
Steve Filak, Tony Hillman, Russell Jones, Bob Courtenay and Roy Taylor & Dave Tapp.
3rd April 1972

Monash University

12th August 1972
Geelong Agticultural Show
Steve Filak, Leslie-Ann Martin, Wendy Stapleton
20 - 21 October 1972
Kilmore Racecourse - St. Vincent De Paul Jymkhana 22nd October 1972
Geelong Showgrounds
Anthony Hillman, Anthony Curl, Robert Courtenay, Roy Taylor, Russell Jones
2nd December 1972
Monash University
Steve Filak,
1st March 1973
Ken Little's Farm - Community Aid Abroad
?, ?, ?, ?
March 1973

Lang Lang Rodeo

Steve Filak, Andrew Kerr,  ?,  ?,  ?, Ron Draper

23rd April 1973
Monash University
Steve Filak, Roy Taylor, Alex McQuibban,
11th August 1973
Kilmore Racecourse
Steve Filak, Roy Taylor, Tony Duckworth
21st October 1973
Dandenong Show
Steve Filak, Bruce Towers, Rodney Wilson, Roy Taylor, Tony Curl, Tony Duckworth, Billy Kenny
10th & 11th November 1973
Finley Aviation Fair - New South Wales 11th November 1973
Bayswater - Fibremakers Childrens' Christmas Carnival
Steve Filak, Robin Rose, Tony Hillman, Russell Jones,
9th December, 1973
Lilydale and District Bush Nursing Hospital - Lilydale Airport
Steve Filak, Mike Weringa, ?, ?,
2nd January 1974
Waikerie, SA, World Gliding Championships
Steve Filak, Roy Taylor, Tony Hillman, Bill Kenny
12th January 1974
Edenhope
Steve Filak, Allan Ebel,
9 February 1974
Trafalgar
Steve Filak, ?, Phillip Kemm, Alex McQuibban,
10th February 1974
Tongala Football Ground
Steve Filak, ?, ?, Carol Owens
14th February 1974
Bridgewater Lakes Reserve - Portland
Steve Filak, Tony Hillman, ?, ?,
24th February 1974
Lilydale High School Oval - Apex Motor Bike Carnival
Steve Filak, ?, ?, ?,
2nd March 1974
Monash University
Steve Filak, Frank McCulloch, ?, ?, ?,
6th March 1974
Tongala Honey and Milk Festival
Steve Filak, ?, ?, Carol Owens, Jane Lemmings?
9th March 1974
Wynyard Airport - Air Pageant, Tasmania
Steve Filak, Robin Rose, Wendy Stapleton, Rodney Wilson
10th March 1974
Trafalgar Festival
Steve Filak, ?, ?, ?,
15th March 1974
Finley, NSW
Steve Filak, Tony Hillman, Roy Taylor, Peter Warren, Sue Weibenba.
March 1974
Longwarry Oval
Steve Filak, Ian Nelsen, Peter Warren, Gary Aberdeen,
17th March 1974

Warrnambool Air Pageant
Tony Hillman, ?, ?, ?, ?.

30/03/1974
Lang Lang Rodeo
Steve Filak, Tony Hillman, Tony Curl, ?, ?, ?,
15th April 1974
Bunyip Hospital
Steve Filak, ?, ?, ?,
23rd June 1974
Monash University
Steve Filak, Tony Hillman, Roy Taylor, Richard Molony, Bill Kenny
10 August 1974
Hastings Foreshore - "Back to Hastings" Celebrations
Steve Filak, Tony Hillman, Roy Taylor, Bob Courtenay, Tony Duckworth, Allan Ebel, John Davies
13th October 1974
Geelong Show
Steve Filak, Tony Hillman, Colin Holt, Allan Ebel, Roy Taylor, Gary Aberdeen, Russell Jones, Bill Kenny, Peter Johnson, Tony Edwards, Brian Kilpatrick,
17th 18th October 1974
Charlton Agricultural Show
Steve Filak, ?, ?, Nallie Faine,
19 October 1974
Dandenong Show
Steve Filak, Roy Taylor, Tony Hillman, Tony Curl, Peter Warren, Michael Gough, Bill Kenny.
9th & 10th November 1974
Bayswater - Fibremakers Childrens' Christmas Carnival
Steve Filak, Tony Hillman, Colin Holt, Roy Taylor and Bill Kenny
15th December, 1974

Golburn Valley Driver Training Complex - Shepparton Funday Sunday
Steve Filak, Tony Hillman, Roy Taylor, Allan Ebel, Tony Duckworth, John Davies, Peter Warren and Gary Aberdeen.

17th November 1974
Edenhope
Steve Filak, Roy Taylor, Tony Curl, Colin Kemp, Gary Aberdeen
 
Casey Airfield - Aeronautical Historical Society of Australia 50th Anniversary
Steve Filak, Roy Taylor, Gary Aberdeen
23rd February 1975
Portland
Steve Filak, ?, ?, Colin Kemp
23rd February 1975
Launceston Air Pageant, Tasmania
Claude Gillard, Steve Filak, Tony Hillman, ?, ?, ?,
16th March 1975
Warnambool
Steve Filak, Tony Hillman, Richard Molony, Russell Jones, Gary Aberdeen?
23rd March 1975
Hastings Day - Shire of Hastings
 
12th October 1975

Geelong Show
Steve Filak, Tony Hillman, Colin Holt, Tony Curl, Russell Jones, Roy Taylor, Tony Duckworth, Gary Aberdeen, Bob Courtenay, Allan Ebel, Bill Kenny,
Tony Lawrence, Brian Kilpatrick.

16th & 17th October 1975
Dandenong Show
Steve Filak, ?, ?, Ken McCleay,
8th & 9th November 1975
Wynyard, Tasmania
Steve Filak, Roy Taylor, Ray Williams, ?, ?, ?,
7th March 1976
Lang Lang Rodeo
Steve Filak, ?, ?, ?, ?,
19th April 1976
Melbourne Show
Steve Filak, Roy Taylor, Colin Holt, Tony Curl, Rodney Wilson, Robin Rose, David Millard, Bill Kenny
17th September 1976
Geelong Show
Steve Filak, Roy Taylor, Rodney Wilson, Raymond Williams, Sandi Kane, Ruth Grantley, Tony Curl, David Britten, Frank McCulloch.
14th to 16th October 1976
Bendigo Show
Steve Filak, Rod Wilson, John Parker, Robin Rose, Anthony Duckworth.
22nd & 23rd October 1976
Ballarat Agricultural Show
Steve Filak, Steve Taylor, David Britten, Sue Walker, Frank McCulloch, Bill Kenny.
12th & 13th November 1976
Dandenong Show
Steve Filak, Roy Taylor, Peter Warren, Frank McCulloch, Bill Kenny, John Dash, G. Clutton?
13th & 14th November 1976
Hillcrest Farm - Marysville, Victoria 12/12/1976
Bright Showgrounds - "Axemen's Carnival" - Woodchop
Steve Filak, Rod Wilson, Tony Curl, Sue Walker, Peter Warren
29th January 1977

Melbourne Show

Steve Filak, Roy Taylor, Rod Wilson, Tony Curl, Ray Williams, Ray Foster, Bill Kenny, Tony Holham, Peter Stevenson, John Middleton & Nick Brydon.

16th to 25th
September 1977
Horsham Showgrounds - Horsham Grand Agricultural Show
Steve Filak, Colin Holt, Roy Taylor, Anthony Curl, Rod Wilson, Bob Courtenay, David Britten, Bill Kenny
28th & 29th September 1977

Geelong Show
Steve Filak, Roy Taylor, Rodney Wilson, Ray Williams, Tony Curl and
John Donahue.

13th to 15th October 1977

Ballarat Show

Steve Filak, Steve Taylor, Britten, Sue Walker, John Dash, John Donahue.

11th & 12th November 1977

Dandenong Show

Steve Filak, Roy Taylor, Rod Wilson, Ray Foster, Ray Williams, Tony Curl, Tony Holtham, Peter Stevenson, John Middleton, Nicolas Bryden, Maggie Taylor

12th & 13th November 1977
Caulfield Park - Caulfield Community Day
?
11th December 1977

Dandenong Gymkhana

Steve Filak, Roy Taylor, ?,  John Bate,  Greg Graham

25th 26th March 1978
Lang Lang Agricultural Show
?
27th March 1978
Richard Molony and ?? Wedding
Steve Filak, Richard Molony, Roy Taylor, J.V. Gillis
22nd April,1978
Adelaide Show

?, ?,  ?,  ?,  ?,

2nd to 9th September 1978
West Lakes Football Park - AFL Finals Adelaide

?, ?,  ?,  ?,  ?,  

9th September 1978
Royal Melbourne Show
Steve Filak, Tony Curl, Anthony Duckworth, Ray Williams, Ray Foster, Bill Kenny
22nd to 30th September  1978
Ballarat Show
Steve Filak, David Tapp and Gary Leth
10th & 11th November 1978
Dandenong Showgrounds - Apex Clubs Convention
Roy Taylor, Ray Williams, Bernard Shaw  and Ian Nelson
11th & 12th November 1978
Tyabb Airshow
Steve Filak, Rodney Wilson, Bruce Towers, Natalia Faine, M. Taylor,
Patrick McHugh
17th February 1979
Melton Gift Athletic Carnival
Roy Taylor, Bruce Towers, Ray Williams
and Bill Kenny,
21st January 1979
Tyabb Air pageant - Kiwanis Club
Steve Filak, Rod Wilson, Bruce Towers, Paddy McHugh, Natalie Faine and ? Taylor
17th February 1979
Myer Music Bowl Spectacular
Steve Filak, Bruce Towers, Bill Kenny and Ray Williams
9th of March 1979
Yarra River Melbourne CBD - Hutton Footy Franks Sponsorship Test Display
Steve Filak, ?, ?, ?, Permission to enter controlled air space was denied by Air Traffic Control, the display was aborted and the sponsorship contract was lost.
9th March 1979
Monbulk Oval - Monbulk Mountain Festival
Ray Williams, David Tapp, Bill Kenny, Bruce Bramhill.
10th March 1979
Leongatha Airfield Display
?, Ray Patten, Carl Sprogis and Francis Cameron
18th of March 1979
Adelaide Show
Bruce Towers, Ray Foster, Ray Williams, David Tapp, Bill Kenny &
Brian Kilpatrick.
1st - 8th September 1979
Melbourne Show    (1st night displays)
Steve Filak, Rodney Wilson, Bruce Towers, Tony Duckworth, Ray Foster, Tony Duckworth, David Tapp, Ian Handley & Bill Kenny
21st to 29th September 1979
Geelong Show - Day and evening jumps
Steve Filak, Ray Foster, David Tapp, MIchael Timewell,  Brian Kilpatrick, Bill and Tommy Kenny?
18th to 20th October 1979
Dandenong Show
Steve Filak, Roy Taylor, Rod Wilson, Ray Foster, David Tapp, Bernard Shaw, Tony Duckworth, Sandra Kane, Ray Patten, Michael Timewell, Ray Williams, Jay Lazarus, Bill & Tommy Kenny, John Dash, Philip O'Brien, Noel Rath and Doc Henderson.
10th & 11th of November 1979
Logan Park Warragul
?
11th November 1979
Wandin Park - Victorian Cherry Festival
?
25th November 1979
Department of Agriculture Picnic
Rod Wilson, Natalie Faine, Alan Stevens, David Tapp, Stuart Taylor, Jay Lazarus, Doug Falconer, Greg Graham, Phil O'Brien, Noel Rath, Maggie Taylor and Rod Cullen,
9th December 1979
Tyabb Angel of Mercy Air Pageant
Rod Wilson, Ray Foster, Mike Timewel, Bill Kenny, & ? Morris
27th January 1980
Melton Gift Athletic Carnival
Steve Filak, Roy Taylor, Stuart Taylor, Jenny Barradel-Smith, Ray Foster and Bill Kenny
16th - 17th February 1980
Sorrento Beach Picnic
Colin Holt, Ray Patten and Stuart Taylor
5th April 1980
Monash University Display
Colin Holt, Roy Taylor, Richard McCooey and Malcolm Corp
22nd July 1980

Melbourne Show - Sponsored by Tooth's Brewery

Steve Filak, Colin Holt, Ray Foster, Greg Graham and Maggie Taylor

20th September 1980
Swan Hill Agricultural Show

Steve Filak, Roy Taylor, Steve Taylor, Bernard Shaw

3rd - 4th October 1980
Geelong Show
Steve Filak, Roy Taylor, Ray Foster, ?  ?  ?
16th - 18th October 1980
Ballarat Agricultural Show
Steve Filak, Roy Taylor, Sue Walker, David Britten and Bill Kenny
7th & 8th November 1980
Dandenong Show

Steve Filak, Roy Taylor, Ray Foster, Bernard Shaw, Steve Taylor

8th and 9th November 1980
Anglesea International Prooving Grounds (simulated truck highjacking)
Steve Filak, Colin Holt, Ray Foster, Bernard Shaw
20th November 1980
Local Display
Alan Stephens, John Cook, Malcolm Corp, Peter Wyer and Jenny Barradel-Smith.
15th March 1981
Mornington - Tea Tree Festival
?, ?, ?, ?,
July or Aug 1981
Monash University Display
Colin Holt, Roy Taylor, Richard McCooey and Malcolm Corp
9th August, 1981

Narre Warren Fountain Gate Shopping Centre
Roy Taylor, Richard McCooey, Malcolm Corpse, Greg Butler and 
Jenny Barradel-Smith

6th October, 1981
Geelong Show
Steve Filak, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?,
16th October 1981
Wycheproof Agricultural Show 21st of October 1981
Benalla Rose Festival
Colin Holt,
24th of October 1981
Melbourne Show
Steve Filak, Ray Foster, John Middleton, ?, ?, ?, ?,
16th - 26th September 1981
Benalla Rose Festival
?
23rd October to 1st November 1981

Warragul Showgrounds - West Gippsland Hospital Fun Fair
Steve Filak, ?, ?, ?, ?.

07th November 1981
Dandenong Agricultural Show

Steve Filak, Colin Holt, Roy Taylor, Ray Foster, Bernie Shaw, Richard McCooey, Malcolm Corp, Russell Lee.

14th & 15th November 1981
Wandin Cherry Festival
Steve Filak, Ken McCleay, Russell Lee and Ralph Presgrave
24th November 1981
Churchill Island - Victoria Conservation Trust
Colin Holt, Richard McCooey, Sam Smalley, Malcolm Corp
28th February 1982
Longwarry Rodeo
John Chapman, Michael Bourke, Matthew Hoskin, Jim? Simons, Ben Page.
3rd March, 1982
Royal Aeronautical Association April 1982
Sandringham Technical School 30th of October 1982

Warragul Showgrounds - West Gippsland Hospital Fun Fair
Steve Filak, ?, ?, ?, ?.

6th of November 1982
Dandenong Show
Steve Filak, Colin Holt, Malcolm Corp, Michael Timewell, Benjamin Page.
13th & 14th November 1982

Beaumaris Oval

Colin Holt, Ben Page & Roy Pritchett

19th February 1983

Dandenong Hospital Display
John Davies, Matt Hoskin, Dave Simons and Graham Cooper

19th March 1983

Wash Oval - Moonee Ponds
Sam Smalley, Matt Hoskins, Graham Branford, Graham Cooper and Graham Shea

26th March 1983

Longwarry Oval, Ladies' Football Match

Colin Holt, John Davies, Graham Cooper, Dave Badyk, Martin Sheehan and John Chapman.

21st August 1983

Narre Warren North - 1st Narre Warren North Scout Group Jubillee
?, ?, ?, ?,
10?/1983

Dandenong Agricultural Show
Steve Filak, Colin Holt, Bill Kenny, ?, ?,

21st November 1983
East Wandin Cherry Festival - Lion's Club 27th of November 1983
Moonee Valley Racecourse - Builder's Labourers Annual Picnic
Steve Filak, Colin Holt, Rod Wilson, John Chapman, John Davies
5th December 1983
St. Francis Xavier College
Colin Holt,
31st March 1984
Narre Warren - Our Lady Help of Charities Fete 3rd November 1984

Moonee Valley Racecourse - Builder's Labourers Annual Picnic
Steve Filak, Colin Holt, John Chapman, Damien Sidnell.

2nd of Decmber 1984
Whitehorse Road, Nunawading - Australia Day Family Festival
Colin Holt, Richard McCooey,
26th of January 1985

Monash University - Orientation Day
Steve Filak, Colin Holt, John Chapman, Damien Sidnell.

26th January 1985
Dandenong and District Hospital Fair
?  ?  ?
February 1985
Monash University Display
Colin Holt?
5th of May 1985
Dandenong Agricultural Show
Steve Filak, Colin Holt, Rod Wilson, John Chapman, John Davies

9th & 10th November 1985

Moonee Valley Racecourse - Builder's Labourers Annual Picnic
Colin Holt, Rod Wilson, John Chapman, Matthewson, Ross Barstow, John Davies, Damien Sidnell and Bill Kenny.

2nd & 3rd December 1985

Nunawading Civic Centre
Steve Filak, Colin Holt, John Chapman and Damien Sidnell.

26th of January 1985
Whitehorse Road, Nunawading - Australia Day Family Festival
Colin Holt, ?, ?, ?,
26th of January 1987
Melbourne Cricket Ground -
Colin Holt, ?, ?, ?,
4th February 1988

 

 

 

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