Gliding Club of Victoria, a gem in the heart of Benalla Rural City

“I’m from Melbourne, and we looked at different clubs,” she said.

“But GVC is one of the biggest and most well-known clubs. In fact, we get international pilots coming down because it’s so well known overseas.”

Amber said the reason for that was that in Benalla there were 10,000-foot thermals.

“We get those here, but virtually nowhere else in the world,” she said.

“And there are lots of connections I can make here in Benalla.”

Amber is in a lucky position, in that her dad is her instructor.

However, GVC office manager Sue Calder said the club had instructors who could help anyone achieve unpowered flight.

And it also offers recreational flights, which the club is encouraging local people to take advantage of.

“We run courses here,” she said.

“And we have the experience flights for the general public that can go up.

“We have an international crew that comes over, and they assist and they instruct.

“And a lot of international people come here to glide, which many in town might not be aware of.

“When they’re here they buy food, petrol and groceries locally, which is great for Benalla.

“Recently, we’ve had a lot of people coming from places like Germany and Poland.”

Ms Calder said the club would love more local people coming along for an experience flight.

“Most people have been in a plane, but being in a glider is very different,” she said.

Book your experience flight via experienceflight.com.au

To find out more about GVC, visit glidingclub.org.au