Founded in 1985, the Balloon Association of Victoria (BAV) has become one of Australia's most active balloon clubs. It works closely with regional groups in organising balloon displays at various events and always has a stand at the biennial Avalon Airshow. Being amateurs, though, members do not take paying passengers. They regularly travel to interstate functions and internationally, competing at the World Championships in Austria in 2008 and both competing and providing assistance in Hungary 2010. Balloons over Waikato, in New Zealand, has become another popular destination.

Membership is open to any interested persons, male or female. The aim is to foster a sociable environment with opportunities for new members to become crew and, if they so desire, pilots or balloon owners. For further information concerning BAV activities come along to one of our monthly meetings held on the second Thursday of the month, except usually during January, at the Parkview Hotel, corner of St Georges Road and Scotchmer Street, North Fitzroy. The meeting starts at 7pm in the upstairs Function Room, but members tend to arrive from around 6PM for dinner and drinks, initially downstairs. This is the time to seek out a familiar face and introduce yourself. If you decide you'd like to get involved, ask if anything's happening at the club's Benalla base that weekend. Cheap accommodation is available at the BAV hut for members and friends. Check EVENTS page for changes to meetings.