Appointment of New Chair

Connellan Airways Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Elizabeth (Liz) Bird as the new Chair of the Board of Directors

 

Liz brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the Trust having been a director since 2008. As a committed advocate for rural, remote and outback Australia, Liz is well-positioned to lead our organisation towards continued success and impact.

 

“I understand the issues that come with educating children, running an agricultural business and simply living in an isolated environment, but also how it takes its toll on families & business every day. I have been part of many volunteer groups who advocate for people who live in remote areas and know the value of this support. Stepping into the Chair role of Connellan Airways Trust is another step in assisting to improve the lives of remote residents all over Australia”.

 

"We are pleased to welcome Liz as the Chair of our Board of Directors," said Jessica Hacket, Connellan Airways Trust’s Executive Officer. "Liz’s proven leadership and passion for supporting rural and remote people will undoubtedly continue to contribute to the growth and success of our organisation. I look forward to working with Liz in achieving our strategic goals."

 

“Australia is a small population over a wide geographical area, and we need to enable remote based residents to thrive, for the betterment of not only our geographical isolated people, but for the economic prosperity of Australia,” said Liz.

“As a remote resident myself, I have seen first-hand the positive impact the Trust has had over the past 40 years and with the expertise of the Board I am confident we will continue to serve remote Australia faithfully.”

Connellan Airways Trust extends its deepest appreciation to outgoing Chair Mark Coffey PSM for his service, leadership, and invaluable contribution to the organisation.

 

Connellan Airways Trust offers grants and scholarships to people in rural, remote and outback Australia enhancing education, health and innovation. For information on the Trust or to support our work through a donation visit www.connellanairwaystrust.org.au

 

For Media Enquiries Contact:

Connellan Airways Trust: Jessica Hacket, Executive Officer:   0439 049 646   


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By Declan Kelly July 15, 2025
From the EO Hi everyone, I'm Declan Kelly, the new EO of Connellan Airways Trust. I’ve just wrapped up my first few weeks as Executive Officer at the Trust, and it’s already been a genuinely inspiring start. Earlier this month, I travelled to Alice Springs (Mparntwe) and had the chance to connect directly with some of the people and communities the Trust supports. A highlight was attending the Govies’ Muster and meeting the dedicated teachers, families and students from the Alice Springs School of the Air and the ICPA. Hearing about the creativity and resilience it takes to deliver education across vast distances really brought home why the Trust’s work matters. At the Alice Springs Show, I enjoyed meeting local schools and community groups, many of whom already know Connellan and have received support in the past to bring important projects to life. It was great to see how the Trust’s legacy is woven into the local community in such practical and lasting ways. I also met with the team from Red Dust and learned more about their community driven health and wellbeing programs. And of course, I couldn’t miss experiencing my first Territory Day, a pretty spectacular way to be welcomed, with fireworks lighting up the desert night. Another highlight was catching up with NT Chief Minister, Lia Finocchiaro, to talk about the opportunities and challenges facing remote Australians, and where the Trust can help create even greater impact. All in all, it’s been a warm, generous welcome into the Connellan Airways Trust community, and I’m excited to keep building on the Trust’s proud history. Next up, my first grant round. If you’re working on a project, supporting your local community or just want to chat about what we do, please get in touch via info@connellanairwaystrust.org.au . Looking forward to what’s ahead! Declan General Grants Opening Soon Our next round of General Grants opens 1 August and closes 15 August. These grants support individuals and small community organisations in remote, very remote and select outer regional areas to fund projects, education, travel, technology or local initiatives that reduce isolation and create opportunities. Check out the guidelines and see if you're eligible: connellanairwaystrust.org.au/general-grants Questions? Get in touch at info@connellanairwaystrust.org.au . We look forward to seeing your ideas!
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