Innovation, resilience, and connection across remote Australia

The Connellan Airways Trust’s September 2025 Grant Round revealed the remarkable diversity, creativity, and commitment of people living and working across remote and very remote Australia. From training programs and cultural exchanges to infrastructure and community wellbeing projects, this round reflected both the practical and personal ways remote Australians are tackling local challenges and building stronger futures.

Investing in Local Skills and Services

A consistent theme this round was the drive to build local capability, particularly in health and service delivery. For example, Katrina Molloy, a dedicated regional health professional, is undertaking specialist ultrasound training to expand access to early pregnancy care for women in Central Australia. Supporting this kind of local professional development helps ensure communities have skilled, sustainable services close to home.

Keeping Remote Communities Connected

Projects like Kulgera Gymkhana Club’s infrastructure upgrades and the William Creek Progress Association’s “Rage Cage” multi-use play area highlight how community spaces continue to play a vital role in the wellbeing of outback towns. These initiatives create safe, inclusive places for people to gather, celebrate, and stay active — especially important where social infrastructure is limited.

Empowering Young People and Cultural Exchange

Several projects focused on giving young people the confidence and skills to lead, with strong representation from programs promoting cultural exchange and creativity. Both St Mary’s College and Live to Tell Your Story Inc will take students from remote regions to the Djinda Ngardak Culinary Program in Bunbury — an intercultural initiative that combines traditional knowledge, hospitality training, and connection to Country. For many participants, it’s a first step into industry pathways while strengthening pride in culture.

Supporting Wellbeing and Safety in Remote Families

CAT also supported projects that address the realities of isolation and access for families living hundreds of kilometres from services. The Tambo Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association (ICPA) will help remote children access swimming and water-safety programs, covering the travel and lesson costs that often prevent participation. Similarly, Katy Hayes, a parent from Arckaringa Station, received support for travel so her boarding-school-aged son can return home during holidays — a simple but deeply impactful way to strengthen family connection and wellbeing.

Building Environmental Resilience and Knowledge

The Trust continues to invest in knowledge-sharing that supports the future of Australia’s rangelands. Soils for Life will bring global expertise to the 2026 Regenerative Rangelands Conference in Longreach, connecting graziers with world-class regenerative agriculture practices. It’s a strong example of how targeted funding can amplify learning and improve land management across vast, remote landscapes.

The next Connellan Airways Trust grant round opens Saturday, 1 November 2025.