WALLARA is already looking forward to next year’s Moomba Birdman Rally – despite destroying their winged wheelchair creation in Sunday’s jump.
The disability support service got its clients involved in creating the craft that soared 4.5 metres off a bridge at Birrarung Marr and into the Yarra River.
The event’s winner managed to glide 17 metres.
“But we definitely made the biggest splash of the day as we hit the water and also created the biggest mess,” Wallara community lifestyle facilitator Matthew Ball said.
“We were the only ones that they had to be retrieved with the Parks Victoria barge and claw as it started to sink, much to the amusement of the huge crowd.
“Maybe a bit less weight next year…”
Mr Ball said the six months of junk yard searches for parts and running repairs were worth it.
“It was a fantastic event to be a part of, and we are looking forward to next year already,” he said.
“This year was just a dress rehearsal and we are setting our sights on winning one of the three major prizes next time.”
The competition is for home-made gliders, hang gliders and human-powered aircraft.
Wallara is a support service for adults with a disability with a mission to empower its service users to lead the life that they choose.
