The Max Hedt Award
Max Hedt, Tommy Thompson (father of Jeremy Thompson), and several others founded the Wimmera Soaring Club in 1963. Later that year, the club received its first glider, a Slingsby T31 tandem tutor. Their first competition took place in Dooen during Easter 1966.
Max had read a book titled "8 Days at Angers" (France), which inspired the Club to organize an 8-day competition. Considering the conditions, the ideal timing for the event appeared to be early February rather than Easter. Consequently, the first Horsham Week took place in 1967 at Dooen. Eight pilots competed, including David Wilson, a dedicated Horsham Week meteorologist who has participated nearly every year, flying a Boomerang. Tony Tabart also took part, flying his Bocian; Tony has competed in just about every Horsham Week. Alan Patching was another participant in the event.
In 1967, the Wimmera Soaring Club was granted permission to establish itself at Horsham airfield, and the hangar was relocated there. The first flight from Horsham took place in October 1967. Additionally, the first Horsham Week at this location, which was the second Horsham Week overall, was held in February 1968.