When it comes to unpowered flight, there is very little she hasn’t achieved.
One of her proudest accomplishments, and no doubt a big reason she was nominated, is the barriers she has broken down regarding women’s involvement in the aerial sport.
“I first got interested in gliding when my brother was doing it at uni,” Vivienne said.
“Some years later, I was working with a fellow from Holland who was a GP, and we started talking about gliding.
“I’d always loved aeroplanes, but couldn’t afford powered flight and once again I had gliding in mind.
“A few years later, I was in the Grampians and drove past the Arrarat Gliding Club, so I went in.”
“The instructor in Arrarat said, ‘I think you should get into this’, and I said, ‘I think you’re right.
“I was 35 at the time and had found my niche.“
On that day, her true passion for gliding was born, one which would bring her to the Rose City.
“I used to visit Benalla every year to go motorbike riding,” she said.
“So I knew people were gliding here. And I love gliding and the challenge of gliding.
“I think it’s the action girl in me.”
It wasn’t long before Vivienne was living in Benalla, spending all her time at the gliding club, where she would eventually become President.
“I think the biggest change I’ve seen in gliding over the years is a big shift in culture,” she said.
“When I came, it was very male-based. I felt the atmosphere was very much about how they could get rid of this woman hanging around.
“Then I dug my heels in and decided the only way to make a change was to be on the committee myself.
“Then I ran for President and got voted in.”
Vivienne said when she got the email saying she had been awarded an OAM, she thought it was a joke.
“I had to read it twice,” she said.
“I was gobsmacked. So I read it again and found it had literally come from the Governor General.
“I thought, wow, this is real.”
Vivienne also mentioned that the Gliding Club of Victoria, based in Benalla, is always on the lookout for new members.
If you would like to have a try and see if it’s for you, give GCV a call on 5762 1058.
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