A new community sports club is hoping to put Ipswich on the map in one of Australia’s fastest-growing technology sports.
Ipswich Whoop Club Inc. has launched as a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to FPV (First Person View) micro drone racing, bringing together pilots of all ages and skill levels in a sport that combines speed, precision, engineering and innovation.
Often described as Formula One in the sky, FPV micro drone racing sees competitors pilot palm-sized racing drones through intricate indoor obstacle courses while wearing specialised goggles that stream a live video feed directly from the drone’s onboard camera.
Club founder Jordan Curran said the idea for Ipswich Whoop Club was born after recognising a gap in South East Queensland for dedicated indoor micro drone racing.
“There are plenty of FPV enthusiasts across the region, but very few dedicated places where people can race indoors, learn from each other and build a community,” he said.
“We wanted to create a welcoming environment where complete beginners and experienced pilots could come together to race, socialise and share their passion for the hobby.”
The club believes Ipswich was the ideal location to establish the region’s first dedicated FPV micro drone racing club.
With the city’s long-standing aviation links through RAAF Base Amberley, a growing defence workforce, and emerging industries centred around drone technology and autonomous systems, organisers believe the sport is a natural fit.
“Ipswich has strong connections to aviation and technology, yet there wasn’t a dedicated FPV racing club based here,” Mr Curran said.
“We saw an opportunity to create something local that combines sport, technology and community while helping people develop practical skills that are increasingly valuable in today’s technology-driven world.”
Beyond competition, the club says the hobby naturally develops practical STEM skills.
