As winter really starts to chill things down and the rocketry season rolls on, we are looking forward to our season finale: the Williams “Wildfire” Westernationals! This year’s event is being held over the long weekend on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 September.
After a few very up and down years for the world in general it’s nice for things to be feeling normal again, and with the Western Australian Rocketry Society really getting into the swing of things it’s fair to say that “We’re back, baby!”
The traditional WWW event is the plan, with all the standard features of two days of flying, camping on site, and some good food to be enjoyed under the clear open skies of our beautiful southwest. Saturday night’s dinner will include the presentation of awards, including favourites such as the “Mariescombe Slice Off”, “Pink Hat” and “Sheraton”, plus an all-new award for this year to replace our recently retired “Mission Specialist”.
Both flying members are spectators are welcome to attend, registration is necessary so we can plan catering and facilities for the required numbers. Event registration and meals are through our online event system available at this link, event T-shirts will be available through the online store, pre-orders for merchandise will be open till 31/08 so please get in early if you want to guarantee yours!
THE EVENT
A staple of the WARS calendar, WWW is an event that has ranged in scope from members camping, eating and launching rockets together to huge celebrations including seated three course dinners and fireworks, and everything in between. With wide recovery areas, fantastic scenery and wonderful company it is an ideal place to be for both the rocket enthusiast and any interested friends and family. The regular event runs over the Saturday and Sunday, with the grounds open from 7am Saturday for arrival and setup until 6pm Sunday for pack up and departure. The range is generally open from 9am till 4pm each day for flying, feature flights are normally in the early afternoon subject to weather conditions. Besides the entertainment of rocketry there are events such as Saturday afternoons Mariescombe Slice Off, where attendees are welcome to submit their best afternoon tea snack to be judged by the crowd in the hope of winning a year holding the coveted Rolling Pin Trophy, and the Saturday Night Banquet where we get to relax and eat together and find out the winners of the various awards. Besides the Slice Off there is also the Sheraton Award for best campsite, open to flyers and non-flyers, and the Pink Hat award, usually awarded to someone really going the extra mile to not successfully fly a rocket.
THE LOCATION
The townsite of Williams, one of the oldest settled areas in Western Australia, is ideally situated about 160kms south of Perth (the capital city of WA), on the Albany Highway and is the "Gateway to the Great Southern Region". It is a small rural community with a local grocery store, arts and crafts shops, café, newsagency, petrol stations and accommodation.
http://www.williams.wa.gov.au/
“Mariescombe” – the Williams “Wildfire” Westernationals launch site is located 15km south of the townsite, and is a working farm within a wool, livestock and grain producing area.
Narrogin is larger town located 30km east of Williams with shopping centres and a variety of retail shops, banks, hospital, accommodation, petrol station, etc.
ON SITE ACCOMMODATION AND FACILITIES
Tents, caravans, RV’s, etc. are all welcome onsite at WWW for your comfortable stay. * Please note that access to the launch site is via a gravel road and farm tracks
Whilst there will be a generator onsite to provide power requirements for the event infrastructure, it is recommended that campers cater for their own specific needs.
Portable toilets will be available however there are no showering facilities onsite. Each year event organisers have secured an arrangement with Darren & Vicki from the Williams Motel & Shady Acre Caravan Park for those that wish to make use of ablution facilities (at a small cost). Please be courteous and considerate when using amenities.
Further information will be contained in the Registration Package.
Limited drinking water is available onsite although water can be accessed at the Williams Roadhouse’s.
Camp fire (x 2) for your warmth and enjoyment. Children are to be strictly supervised.
OTHER ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Williams Motel & Shady Acre Caravan Park (08) 9885 1192 - Longtime supporters of WWW!
Williams Hotel (08) 9885 1016
Farm stays and other options
CATERING
There will be a fully functioning camp kitchen with food & drinks available, and a small dining area with limited tables and chairs. Please note due to meal preparation requirements the kitchen facilities may not be available to guests.
Coffee, tea & toast facilities
Soup station
To minimise waste please bring your own mug (or purchase a WARS mug on arrival!)
BYO alcohol or purchase it locally at the Williams Hotel (Bottlemart Express) or the liquor stores in Narrogin.
WARS promotes responsible consumption of alcohol and encourages consumers to make smart, informed decisions. Consumption of alcohol in the rocket prep area and on the launch area itself is prohibited during range operating hours.
MENU - Further information available via the Registration page
Saturday Lunch: Meat and gravy rolls
Saturday afternoon: Afternoon tea featuring entries for the Mariescombe Slice Off
Saturday Night : Roast meats and sides, Deep fried turkey, additional dishes TBC
Sunday Breakfast: Bacon and Egg rolls, baked beans and sides
Sunday Lunch: Sausage Sizzle