The Trust has awarded Robert $10,000 to complete his low-level rating and mustering endorsement as well as his visual flight rules (VFR) night rating. 

Robert lives on Saxby Downs Station in outback Queensland and first attained his private pilot’s license in 2014. This has enabled him to better fulfill his role as manager at the station. The father of three, is also First Officer in the Cambridge Rural Fire Brigade and was actively involved in the recovery effort of the 2019 floods. Robert piloted people to and from Richmond to assist with immediate efforts to animals and rescue people. 

Robert says “Adding a low level and mustering endorsement as well as a VFR night rating will allow me to expand my flying skills and knowledge, particularly flying in the agricultural industry. During the 2019 floods I flew for 10 days volunteering my time to help those in need of food, medicine, parts or just a lift to town. This gave me great personal satisfaction. In times of need in the bush, aviation is often one of the most critical parts in any disaster or emergency and I love to be part of it. I feel these endorsements will bring a fresh level of safety and understanding to my flying” 

“Robert has demonstrated his commitment to aviation in outback Australia. His role on the station and his volunteer capacity with the fire bridge made him the ideal candidate for this Award. Aviation plays a vital role in the outback and Robert’s commitment to ensuring safety when in the air is commendable. The board was impressed with the commitment Robert has shown to his flying goals and is very pleased to grant this Award to Robert” said Mark Coffey. 

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 and was a highly decorated and regarded aviator. He also helped establish the Alice Springs Aero Club in 1964 to bring aviation training to the outback. He was the son of pioneering aviator and founder of the Trust, E.J Connellan. 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 award 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 $3.9 million to residents in isolated, rural, and remote Australia, supporting the advancement of outback skills and capabilities.