Skydivers take off

The skydiving company Adrenalin Skydive along with airport owner John Ferrara sought out permission to re-open the business. Ken Wheeldon, the Goulburn Mulwaree Council Manager said on Wednesday that Council has put a 12-month arrangement in place.

“We’ve [Council] gone through and got the appropriate approval from the Australian Parachute Federation and through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority for this. We’ve finalised all the required legal documentation and issued a licence to them today,” he said.

“[The arrangement] will be reviewed for renewal at the end of that period.”

The school has two planes with four instructors and jumps will be taken from 12,000 feet.

Mr Ferrara believes that the business will have a significant and positive impact on the community saying it will bring plenty of tourists to the area.

“Any business that’s recreational brings people from out of town to Goulburn and that’s a very good thing,” he said. Bill Tuddenham, the Chief Instructor of Adrenalin Skydive has spent over 20 years in the army and has completed over 15,000 jumps safely.

“One of the main reasons why I joined the army was to keep parachuting and get paid for it,” he said. Mr Tuddenham said he was happy the skydiving school had opened again, not only for the tourism of the town, but also for the local citizens.

“A few locals here wanted it to start up again so they could bring their friends along and skydive,” he said.

“We’ve got a club atmosphere here that’s really welcoming. You’re not just another number with us.” Mr Ferrara said between about 200 to 300 people had previously enjoyed skydiving in Goulburn each weekend.

“It will be great to have it open here again. It was really popular last time it was here and brought a lot of people out every weekend,” he said. Goulburn Skydiving will be open this Saturday, March 5.

For more information or to book a place call John Ferrara on 0403 368 933.