Chair Mr. Mark Coffey announces Mr Munro Hardy to be the recipient of the 2022 Roger Connellan Award. Mr Hardy will receive $10,000 towards obtaining his private fixed-wing license.

Munro has spent over thirteen years in the Northern Territory and is now based at Carbeen Park, west of Katherine. Munro began his commercial helicopter licence in 2014 and has since flown all over the NT and east Kimberley. During this time, he recognised the consistent challenges faced by livestock producers collecting data.

This led Munro to a sabbatical working with a Sydney based agriculture company exploring technology solutions for meat and livestock producers. Now back in the NT, Munro is supporting agricultural producers with the planning and implementation of technologies that assist producers in building capacity for growth.

“There are many emerging tech solutions in agriculture at the moment, but a lot of this technology needs support. By completing my private fixed wing license, I can continue to serve those living in the outback by providing this directly onsite” said Mr. Hardy.

“Munro has demonstrated his commitment to the outback and his desire to improve his technical aviation capacity in a way that provides service into the outback” said Mark Coffey, Chair of the Connellan Airways Trust.

“His desire to enhance remote producers’ capacity for data collection and business management, and his leadership in delivering these skills is commendable. Bush pilots are imperative in remote locations and having support for technology without having to wait months for tech support could change the way that producers work into the future,” said Mark Coffey.

Mr Coffey remarked on Munro’s achievements noting he is also a Nuffield Scholar and has completed the NTCA Future Leaders program. “His desire to increase his aviation skills in support of the outback in Australia is evident.”

The Award was established in 2017 in memory of Roger Connellan who was a pilot with Connellan Airways. Roger rose to Chief Check and Training Captain. He was a highly decorated and regarded aviator who also helped establish the Alice Springs Aero Club in 1964. This success brought aviation training to the outback. The Award aims to give the opportunity, by provision of financial support to people living in Outback Australia for professional development in an aviation related field excluding initial licensing.

Connellan Airways Trust offers several grant and scholarship opportunities for outback people. This Award is one of two exceptional Awards that honours the foundations of the Trust through the Connellan Airways airline. Since establishment of the Connellan Airways Trust in 1981, it has been able to provide more than $4.5 million to residents in Outback Australia, supporting the advancement of outback skills and capabilities.

For information on the Connellan Airways Trust visit www.connellanairwaystrust.org.au

Media Enquiries Contact: Jessica Hacket, Executive Officer: 0439 049 646