Sky’s the limit at North Lakes
He wasn’t even born when the first three Star Wars movies were released, but that didn’t stop Griffin’s Brad Drew becoming a massive fan.
“I was born in 1988, so I got on board with it in the early ’90s,” he says.
“Ever since I saw it, it’s just been part of my life.”
Brad will join like-minded Star Wars buffs for the ultimate event at North Lakes next month.
As a member of Star Walking, which bills itself as Australia’s oldest Star Wars fan club, Brad will don an X-Wing pilot costume that took him two months to make for Skyforce Queensland at the North Lakes Community Centre.
It’s a day where fans come together to share their passion for the franchise.
There will be presentations, and fans will share news and take part in discussions about what the Star Wars universe is offering and what’s up and coming.
Among the fun will be quizzes, costume competitions, vintage and modern collections to view, and a tattoo artist who owns a Star Wars-themed studio, as well as vendors selling movie-themed merchandise.
Passionate fans
Brad says the first Queensland event on the Sunshine Coast in September was a huge success, with more than 50 people attending.
The North Lakes event was scheduled for August, but cancelled due to COVID restrictions – but not before more than 80 people had bought tickets.
Brad’s favourite movie of the franchise was The Empire Strikes Back, which was released in 1980.
“It’s the visual thing. It was made back when they had to use practical special effects.
“It’s amazing that they built everything you see on the screen by hand.”
He’s only been involved with Star Walking since March after being roped in by friends who were part of the Queensland committee, but is impressed by the diversity of membership.
Dressing up
“It brings people together over a common love – our members are from all walks of life.
“We are well and truly nerdy Star Wars fans.
“It’s no longer just males, there is a huge female following.”
Brad’s looking forward to dressing up as Luke Skywalker for Skyforce.
“One of our members worked on the films – he was part of the prop designing and creating.
“He’s inspired me to create my own costume – it’s all very new – I didn’t get involved in Cosplay.”
While he’s going to Skyforce as Skywalker, his favourite character is Hans Solo.
“It’s his swagger – he is the coolest dude going around and he’s always cool, calm and collected.”
Skyforce is at the North Lakes Community Centre on October 2 from 10am-4pm.
Entry is $5 for members and $10 for non-members.