Visit of the Australian Ambassador to INOS and the Sport Airfield in Malo Konjari
The Center for Innovation and Development INOS had the honour of hosting H.E. Daniel Truswell, Ambassador of Australia to Serbia, North Macedonia and Montenegro, who visited our organisation together with Honorary Consul Zoran Kostovski and representatives of the Australian Embassy. The Ambassador was welcomed by INOS President Gjorgji Mancheski and Project Coordinator Marija Midovska Petkoska. The visit marked the second meeting between INOS and the Australian Embassy, further strengthening the cooperation already established between the two sides and demonstrating our mutual interest in developing this partnership further.
During the meeting, we presented the activities and projects implemented by INOS, with particular attention to projects that have been realised with the support and cooperation of our partners. We discussed the results achieved and the impact these initiatives have had on the local community, as well as the experience gained through their implementation. A significant part of the discussion focused on future opportunities for cooperation and the development of new initiatives. We exchanged ideas about areas in which INOS can continue to contribute through its projects, as well as opportunities for support from the Australian Embassy in implementing future activities. The Embassy’s previous support for one of INOS’s projects represents an important foundation for further developing this partnership.
As part of the visit, the delegation also visited the Sport Airfield in Malo Konjari, where the guests had the opportunity to become familiar with our facilities, infrastructure and capacities. During a tour of the hangar, the Ambassador and representatives of the Embassy were introduced to our facilities, equipment and aviation-related activities, as well as our plans for the further development of gliding in the region. We also shared with our guests the story of gliding in Malo Konjari. Around two decades ago, an active airfield operated at this location, hosting activities related to gliding and aviation. Over time, the airfield ceased operations and its infrastructure gradually fell into disuse. After almost 20 years, a new chapter began. Through dedication, investment and the revitalisation of the site, the airfield has been renovated and brought back into operation, creating an opportunity to revive and further develop the aviation tradition in this part of the region.Our vision is for the Sport Airfield in Malo Konjari to once again become a place where gliding, aviation sports, youth activities and educational programmes can develop, while also contributing to the broader development of tourism, sport and the local community in the Pelagonia region.
The visit of the Ambassador and the Australian Embassy team was an opportunity not only to present our achievements, but also to share our vision for the future and explore possibilities for continued cooperation. At INOS, we remain committed to building partnerships, developing new ideas and creating opportunities that can have a long-term positive impact on our community.
