Benalla in north-eastern Victoria will host the 34th FAI World Gliding Championships next year.
The event, which attracts competitors from 30 countries, will run over two weeks from 8-21 January 2017. Over 100 competitors are expected to take part.
Championship Director, Australian Terry Cubley said, "Australia has some of the best gliding conditions in the world and with a home team advantage, we have a real chance of seeing an Australian pilot finish in Gold Medal position."
The World Gliding Championships for Open, 18 m and 15 m classes is the most prestigious and competitive gliding competition in the world. It is organised by the Gliding Federation of Australia (GFA) under the patronage of the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI), which is the world-wide body covering sport aviation.
Benalla hosted the World Championships in 1987, and in January 2013, the Victorian Goverment announced a grant of $210,000 for upgrades to help secure the 2017 titles.
More information on the 2017 World Gliding Championships is available from the Gliding Federation of Australia website.