Star Walking Inc. - Sydney Skyforce

Skyforce is back again for 2005, and who could have thought of a better way to kick-start the year than with "Skyforce: The Game Show". It was a quiz show like every other: a cheesy host, a schlocky voice-over, canned laughter from a pre-recorded audience, and prizes behind a curtain. And that was just the beginning of our jam-packed day.

Drew steered us back on course with Episode III news for all of the spoiler-hounds in the crowd, dishing out the details of what to expect in the concluding chapter of the Star Wars saga. Russ from Case Fresh gave everyone the latest in toy news, as well as a sneak peek at merchandise from the upcoming movie. Movie trailers for upcoming blockbusters were on the menu, including spots from Batman Begins, War Of The Worlds, The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy, and many more. We also took a look at the upcoming DVD release of the first volume of Cartoon Network's "Clone Wars" series, and introduced much of the crowd to a little known Lucasfilm mockumentary called "R2-D2: Beneath The Dome".

We asked the audience to build an empire of Star Wars models out of cardboard pieces and sticky tape. The results were amazing and amusing, with one group constructing a 4-foot tall AT-ST in under 10 minutes. Unfortunately it suffered a similar fate to the walkers in The Empire Strikes Back, with a competing team taping the AT-ST's legs together.

The regular bag-a-bargain Skyforce auction was also back again, and Frank's Podracer gaming contest came to a nail-biting finish with the finalists going toe-to-toe on the big screen while the crowd cheered them on.

> View photos
> Return to top

August 21st Meeting

> View photos
> Return to top

November 20th Meeting

> View photos
> Return to top

2004

March 7th Meeting

With the new year came a new Sydney Skyforce crew, and March 7 was our first meeting running the show. Despite the pouring rain, the Grand Prix, and Clean Up Australia Day all falling on the very same Sunday, die-hard Star Wars fans came together for their quarterly dose of fandom.

Headed by new manager Craig, the team put on an event covering the latest in toys, movie news, and all things Star Wars. The first series of the animated TV show "Star Wars: Clone Wars" was played for the audience, along with a stack of movie trailers for upcoming flicks such as Troy, Van Helsing, Shrek 2, and Spider-Man 2.

Case Fresh provided us with a great toy talk, as well as contest prizes that knocked the socks off last year's raffles and luck door prizes. Former Skyforce staff member Christian was also forced to sell a chunk of his belonging to pay the ATO, so many people left at the end of the day with pre-loved Star Wars items, DVDs, and CDs. Once again, the auction made sure people did not leave empty handed, with the big winner this time around being "Bucket-of-crap guy".

It was great to see the core-group of dedicated fans and a bunch of new faces in the crowd, and we look forward to seeing everyone again in June!

> View photos
> Return to top

June 6th Meeting

It was 5 years ago that The Phantom Menace opened in Australian movie theatres, and to commemorate the event Sydney Skyforce put on a meeting filled with Episode I goodness.... or at least Episode I stuff. Kicking the day off with The Simpsons' spoof "Cosmic Wars: The Gathering Shadow", there was non-stop podracing action in Frank's Nintendo 64 Racer competition, phantom pictionary, menacing trivia, and a stress-relieving session of throw-Jar-Jar-through-the-greenscreen. The fun continued with the second season of "Star Wars: Clone Wars" cartoons, Episode III spoilers and rumors, Case Fresh's update on all things new in toys, new movie trailers, and a sneak-peak at some cool video game footage. The auction was once again not without controversy as grown men got into bidding battles with a five year old girl!

Thanks to the guys at Case Fresh who awarded our raffle and gaming contest winners and runners-up with great prizes, including a Jorge Sucal, silver clonetroopers, exclusive cantina figures, and a stack of other toys. We hope to see everyone again in August as we inch closer to Episode III.

> View photos
> Return to top

August 29th Meeting

Star Wars fever begins to rise in the lead up to the release of the Original Trilogy on DVD and the May 2005 release of the newly titled Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge Of The Sith. Joined by Melbourne crew members, the Sydney Skyforce team put on an event not easily forgotten by the sixty or so fans who turned up for their dose of all things Star Wars.

People got a taste of the latest in toys, Episode III news and rumours, fan films, and upcoming movie trailers. The crowd was also entertained by an adaptation of The Footy Show's Going Going Gooone segment titled "Imperial Recruitment". But nothing compared to a few Sith Lords in the audience who dished out their own revenge on a piñata Jedi Master Yoda. A big thanks to Linda who spent 3 weeks putting the green guy together and watched as he was smashed to pieces in a matter of minutes.

A major highlight of the day was a special appearance by reps from Lucasfilm licensed apparel producers who gave us a world-first look at designs for upcoming Episode III t-shirts. The fans were able to voice their opinions on which t-shirts they liked best and what they wanted to see in future designs.

The upcoming DVD release of the Star Wars Trilogy was also discussed, including an overview of packaging, special features, and a few of the changes made to the movies. Due to technical difficulties Frank was unable to present a sneak-peek at the latest in Star Wars games, but he was able keep contestants coming back for more in his ongoing gaming competition. And as per usual there were even more winners in our auction and raffles.

> View photos
> Return to top

November 21st Meeting

> View photos
> Return to top

2003

March 2nd Meeting

Kicking off Sydney's seventh year with a satisfying bang, our latest Skyforce was a plump success with a great turnout, considering that now in the wake of Episode 2 it's a long, cold slump in general fandom until Ep. 3 starts to defrost.

With our swanky crowd of around 60 amassing quite punctually we got into the swing right off the bat. Since our last meeting there's been a swell in new fan films, and the ones chosen to be shown off to the crowd were the fantastic PINK 5 and HOW THE SITH STOLE CHRISTMAS. In other multimedia we picked the bones out of the EPISODE 2 DVD, and goggled at the huge number of new toys in production at Hasbro, procured by our resident toy maniac Dax.

Video games are now without doubt a solid staple in Star Wars fandom, and as is becoming a regular segment for Sydney, we showcased the latest offerings for Playstation 2 and Game Cube, the best being BOUNTY HUNTER and CLONE WARS as well as JEDI OUTCAST. Hats off to our generally challenged teamster Ben, who despite sucking quite rabidly at all these games, did his best to play them to a standard that did them credit.

The most entrenched segment of Skyforce, “THE AUCTION”, proceeded smoothly and without bloodshed. Copious amounts of Star Wars goodies were on offer including comics, books, a Ralph Marlin Darth Vader Tie, various toys (sorry “collectables”) and a full set of the Star Wars Stamp Collection released last year by Australia Post.

Pictionary and Trivia, two of the most enjoyable segments in our meetings, were again delightful successes and as Skyforce has flourished very well in Sydney over the last year, the next one should warrant enough wheeling and dealing to provide some DECENT PRIZES for those who cast aside their dignity for these goofy games. Rest assured, booster packs of CCG will one day be a thing of the past!

Overall it was a nice little pearler for Sydney, and a true delight for us as a team to see that we definitely have a solid bunch of regular fans, whom we like to think attend to enjoy our company as well as everything STAR WARS. Although it's a long wait till the sixth and final film, and Ep. 2 was arguably below average, we are confident that we can truck on and keep having fun for a long time yet. Can't wait till the next meeting! :)

> View photos
> Return to top

June 1st Meeting

Our second Skyforce installment for 2003 was - you guessed it - the usual fun-flavoured stupidity and general fandom the Sydney scene has grown into over the years. What set it aside though was the fact that it commemorated the 20th anniversary of Episode 6 (or is that 3?) in everyone's favourite saga: Return Of The Jedi. Thusly, the games and activities Sydney is (in)famous for on the day all had a solid Jedi flavouring......and it isn't every day you see 20 people lined up to hurl a plush Ewok through a much smaller cardboard hole at the highest possible velocity.

As usual, the Sydney team worked great and hats off to our dealers, our mates at CASE FRESH, the Lidcombe venue staff - and most of all the great people who came to share a day of Star Wars with us. See you at the next one!

> View photos
> Return to top

October 12th Putt Putt Mini-Golf

> View photos
> Return to top

2002

March 3rd Meeting

Back with a vengeance for 2002, Sydney's latest Skyforce meeting was a surprise blockbuster with over 70 in attendance! With six years under the belt and a new movie just around the corner, it looks like there's plenty of fun yet to come.

Where to begin? Apart from the usual choice bunch of dealers and regular attendees we had a great eye-catcher; an assortment of Ep. 2 figures and vehicles, the first any of us had seen. Despite a few hatching of plots, none disappeared in the end! Among the main scheduled events of the day were the lengthy and spoiler-ridden Toy Talk, the Multimedia Tour and the usual chaos of Pictionary and Trivia.

Despite constant warring with the dodgy AV system (again) and the usual wacky weather, this was a top meeting and one for the books! Hats off once again to great teamwork, friendly dealers and as always, the bunch of champions who came to share a fab day with us!

> View photos
> Return to top

May 5th Meeting

Sydney Skyforce's May meeting was a top draw, with the excitement building up to Ep. 2 at a final frenzy! As well as a great turnout and the usual fabbo range of dealers, we enjoyed the company of A Current Affair, who thought it necessary to delve into the twisted underworld of fandom! Hats off to our very own Noddy McKnee, who ended up dominating the piece that aired in Monday primetime and redefined the term 'dedication'!

With a plump turnout of 70+ and a wonderful atmosphere of excitement toward the looming new movie, the meeting was a treat to be amongst. Fondest regards to the Sydney team, the dealers who turned out and once again, the legions of regular and new attendees who make kicking the hell out of that !@#$ing A.V system totally worth it.

> Return to top

October 20th Jedi-Con 2002

Click here for a full report on this event.

> View photos
> Return to top

2001

February 25th Meeting

The highlight of the day for all in attendance would have been the Lightsabre display by Morgan Gregory. Photos coming soon, these things really light up, and look just like the ones in the movies.

Many games were played, and watching 6 grown men race around playing piggy back rides was probably something most of them would like to forget. Christian, our trivia master, once again, amazed us with his completely obscure knowledge, and after a close fought battle, Team Rocket won the day. There was lots of bargains to be had in the Auction, with 12" figures going for $15, a full set of 6 signed comics going for $20 and movie posters for $1. Anyone can submit items for the auction , so bring along all your star wars items you've been meaning to get rid of.

> View photos
> Return to top

May 28th Meeting

Another meeting, another great time. Despite the plague of track work yet again, and even the distraction of the Foxtel Star Wars marathon, we still enjoyed a good turnout and made the most of it.

One of the more involved presentations of the day included the showcasing of STAR WARS STARFIGHTER, DEMOLITION and SUPER BOMBAD RACING on Playstation 2. Watching champion attendees like Craig, Frank, Noddy and Kyle learning to fly an N1 fighter through a tight canyon, or wallop the snot out of each other in demolition derbies, proved to be good entertainment.

As usual there was a selection of new movies and clips plucked fresh of the Net to enjoy on the projector, probably the best being the music video "Jabba on the Dais". Other regular spots included Pictionary, Rumour-Rama and the ever-popular Trivia Slamfest, in which Team Padawan walked away with the best prizes for actually knowing who Declan Mulholland was (freaks!)

All up, it was a busy and happy day with great teamwork and a fun atmosphere. Many thanks to our great dealers and loyal attendees, as well as all those who came along for the first time and enjoyed themselves.

> View photos
> Return to top

July 29th Meeting

Good weather, great dealers, a top turnout and good moods all round made this meeting a trendsetter!

With plenty of fresh multimedia to have fun with, everything from new Star Wars parody clips to the trailers for SPIDERMAN and JAY AND SILENT BOB STRIKE BACK, our hefty 60+ audience had more than enough eye candy for one day. The usual auction ripped and tore through people's wallets, the trivia and pictionary once again traded dignity for delight, and in a particularly unusual segment, the fine folk from FAN FORCE taught fan goers the rudimentary of a MOST GROUSE lightsabre duel. Kicking off right on time and finishing a bit late for once, it was a giant day with a ton to absorb and enjoy!

The usual standing ovations are due to the Sydney Skyforce crew for great enthusiasm and co-operation, the Lidcombe venue for their patience, but most of all and as always, the top people who came and spent their Sunday sharing a great day with Star Wars and like-minded friends.

> View photos
> Return to top

October 21st Meeting

> View photos
> Return to top

December 1st Christmas Dinner

Sydney Skyforce's long-delayed and much-ballyhooed first Christmas party was a great night, fraught with culinary peril but offset by the great fun had by everyone in attendance. Held at an undisclosed, and in the end decidedly dodgy restaurant, the congregation of 20 enjoyed some extremely tardy and infrequent dishes whilst reminiscing the Sydney Skyforce adventures. As the photos indicate a few of the attendees enjoyed a shandy (or 12), but it was a generally civil evening with only one curt request needed for us to leave the premises in the end!

> Return to top

2000

October 22nd Force 3.5

> View photos
> Return to top

Next Event

Mailing List

Return to top

All Star Wars trademarks, names, images, etc... are the property of Lucasfilm Ltd.
All other content of this web site is copyright © Star Walking Inc.
Star Walking Inc. is a fan run, nonprofit association and is in no way affiliated with Lucasfilm or any of its licensees or subsidiaries.
This site looks best in Internet Exploer 5.0 or later. Web site designed by Cameron Smith, coded and implemented by Paul Hapsellis.