General News
29 May, 2026
Club’s good and bad news
RISING costs and air travel uncertainty caused by the Middle East conflict have forced the Mareeba-based MASCOT model aircraft club to cancel hosting the much-anticipated 2026 World Gliding Championships.
But there was good news for the club last week when it received a timely and generous donation from Mt Emerald wind farm operators, Ratch, to improve facilities at the Adil Road airstrip to full international standard.
“This very welcome financial support will be put to good use and comes at a critical time for the model aircraft group,” club president Murray Towne said.
He said the assistance would enable the MASCOT club to significantly upgrade the popular facility.
“MASCOT members are all very excited about the improvements to the infrastructure in line for the world Radio Controlled Glider Championships and we are highly appreciative of the Mt Emerald Windfarm Community Benefit Fund support,” he said.
He said the upgrades would improve the local club’s chances of hosting future World radio-controlled model events.
The generous support comes after the cancellation of the 2026 World Gliding Championships that were scheduled to be held at the club’s facilities in August.
The MASCOT Club already had received keen international interests in the world championships from competitors from a number of countries across the world.
“However, while we had plans well in hand, the world organising body cancelled the highly-acclaimed event due to international travel restrictions and other concerns associated with the present and continuing armed conflict in the Middle East,” Mr Towne said.
“Understandably, while it is the news we did not want to hear, the best interests of competitors and their families and support teams must be considered first, amid current flight cancellations and rising costs worldwide.”
He added the continued financial support from Ratch was all the more important and critical to the improvements at the club site for pending future events, including a future submission from MASCOT to host regional and national finals and also submissions to host future international model aircraft events.
