ABOUT US

Our Objectives

• To fulfill the intent of the Trust’s founder E.J Connellan, and the Connellan Airline’s shareholders. Their dedication to breaking down the isolation of the Central and Northern Australian Outback is realised today through projects that inspire passion, determination, bold ideas, and innovative solutions within the outback
• To assist people, especially young people, to overcome the challenges of living and working in Outback Australia
• To support individuals and organisations that contribute to advancing outcomes for people in the Outback

Connellan Airways Trust is a non-profit organisation ensuring that outback people, especially the younger ones, who often miss out on vital education, health, and social opportunities due to extreme distances and the resulting financial burden of access, have opportunities to thrive irrespective of where they live.

For almost 40 years the Connellan Airways Trust has been bridging this gap, supporting people to further their growth and development with the assistance of our grants.

The Trust was established by E.J Connellan (the NT pioneer, aviator and pastoralist among many endeavours) and the Connellan Airlines shareholders in 1981 following the sale of the NT based “Connellan Airways” airline. The Trust was the brainchild of Edward Connellan (known as E.J) who established Connellan Airways in 1939. This Territorian pioneer, aviator and pastoralist convinced the shareholders of Connellan Airways that a substantial portion of the proceeds of the sale of the airline should be applied to the establishment of a Trust. Due to the generosity of many and the efforts of E.J Connellan the Trust continues to support people in Outback Australia. 

Connellan Airways Trust offers a range of grant opportunities, major awards and scholarships. Each program has its own focus areas and objectives; however, the overarching mission of the Trust is to fund projects for individuals and organisations that advance the outback. There is a heavy focus on education and health outcomes, whilst also encouraging passion and innovation projects that embody the pioneering spirit of founder E.J Connellan.

The Trust relies on donations to augment the Trust funds and maximise grant-making.

Administered by a company with a Board of Directors whose services are honorary (yet another example of the community spirit that E.J excited) the duties of the Directors is to assess grant applications to the Trust against the objectives of the Deed, as well as nurture the assets of the Trust fund.

Since establishment the Trust has provided over $4 million in grants to people in the bush. We have supported our recipients through a variety of endeavours assisting them to pursue their futures.