Roger Connellan Award 2024

OLIVIA ANDERSON AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS

ROGER CONNELLAN AWARD

TOWARDS HER AVIATION TRAINING GOALS

After growing up in the Mareeba in North Queensland, Olivia is as a mustering helicopter pilot now based in WA’s Kimberley region and is working towards completing her sling rating over the coming year.

“Slinging or long lining is common practice during natural disasters such as foods or bush fires, which impact remote regions each season. Slinging is also used in day-to-day operations servicing remote communities and outback towns. I would be able to use this rating and skillset almost immediately as I continue to finesse my skills as an outback pilot.” Miss Anderson said.

Olivia has been recognised for her 100% safety record, her commitment to outback aviation and her pursuit and support of the opportunities for air work pilots within the NT and Kimberley region.

Connellan Airways Trust Chair, Mrs Liz Bird, commented on Miss Anderson’s dedication to her training and living and working in the bush. “Olivia has demonstrated excellent aviation ethics and competency and is an example for other outback pilots striving to upskill within the industry.”

“The Roger Connellan Award supports aviation development for rural and remote people, recognising that bush pilots are vital to enhancing the capacity of remote places. It is important that we support these skills to retain them in rural and remote areas” Mrs Bird said.

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 $5 million to residents across Outback Australia, supporting the advancement of outback skills and capabilities.

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July eNews

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!

OLIVIA ANDERSON AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS