Awards

Two awards may be granted:

1. Junior 16 – 25 years of age
2. Senior 26 years of age and over

Awards will usually be made to people who have the potential to make a major contribution in the area of their endeavour.

The E.J Connellan Award was established in 1988 in honour of the founder of the Trust, the pioneer Northern Territory aviator, EJ Connellan. He was a man of strong and passionate character, with special abilities attuned to trail blazing. These qualities enabled him to overcome significant problems and to achieve much where others would have been daunted. He was a successful pastoralist and a visionary businessman; he played a prominent role in Central Australian affairs.

• Grants are available to people who reside in Outback Australia, ie People living and working on stations or in small isolated, rural and remote towns.
• Australian Citizens and permanent residents of Australia.
• Benefit (through skills or services) to broader Outback Australia is highly regarded.
• There are no further pre-requisites for applicants. Merit is the primary criterion, based on either past or demonstrated ability for future achievement in any endeavour acceptable to the Connellan Airways Trust.

Please confirm your residential address fits the location criteria by referring to the Trust map of remoteness below. Locations categorised as very remote or remote are eligible. Outer regional locations may be considered in some circumstances, relative to access of services.

Applications are considered once a year, opening on December 1 and closing on January 31 each year. The Trust’s decision will be notified to applicants by March 31 each year.

Applications are to be submitted via the Connellan Airways Trust website or via email to info@connellanaiwaystrust.org.au. The Trust will always acknowledge receipt of applications.

Applications for this award are considered once a year.

Download the Award Guidelines prior to applying.

If you require assistance, please call the Executive Officer on 1800 733 810. 

Click here to download Guidelines for the E.J Connellan Award. 

The Roger Connellan Award will be made to an exceptional applicant for further qualifications and professional development programs in a recognised professional aviation field e.g. fixed wing, rotary, balloon, airship, RPAS (remotely piloted aircraft system).

The Award was established in 2016 in memory of aviator Roger Connellan. Roger learned to fly at the Royal Victorian Aero Club in 1962. In 1963 he set about starting the Alice Springs Aero Club to cater for the need to bring training to the bush and employed Christine Davey as the first instructor. Roger gained the highest licence achievable in Australia, Airline Transport Licence – First Class Instrumental rating, single Pilots. 

Roger worked his way up the pilot hierarchy to become the Chief Check and Training Captain responsible for up to 120 pilots requiring an Airline Transport License, single pilot competency. Even Qantas captains are tested to the lower level of dual pilot.

When Roger was killed on 5th January 1977, aged 33, he had recently been promoted to Operations Manager of the Airline, a testament to his hard work and dedication in the industry. 

Roger was the son of the founder E.J Connellan and he also ran the Narwietooma cattle station in his youth. He had a genuine love of the bush

• Applicants must already have a private fixed wing licence or its equivalent.
• People who reside in Outback Australia. I.e. People living and working on stations or in small isolated, rural and remote towns.
• Residents of the outer remote and regional centres of Australia who provide assistance to those described above.
• Australian Citizens and permanent residents of Australia.

Please confirm your residential address fits the location criteria by referring to the Trust map of remoteness below. Locations categorised as very remote or remote are eligible. Outer regional locations may be considered in some circumstances, relative to access of services.

Applications are considered once a year, and open 1 June and close on July 15 of each year.

Applications are to be submitted via the Connellan Airways Trust website or via email to info@connellanaiwaystrust.org.au. The Trust will always acknowledge receipt of applications.

Applications for this award are considered once a year.

Applications open June 1, and close on July 15, of each year.

Download the Award Guidelines prior to applying.

Click here to download Guidelines for the Roger Connellan Award. 

If you require assistance, please call the Executive Officer on 1800 733 810.