The Roger Connellan Award is designed to support outback aviation excellence through additional training and assisted Jo with the completion of these ratings. Jo works in Alice Springs as qualified optometrist, and through his work provides high quality primary eye care to people who live in isolated, remote, and rural locations in Central Australia. Jo’s journey to obtain his instrument rating and night flying rating was a long one. After a few setbacks along the way, Jo was able to complete his training with Flight Standards. 

Jo said “Working towards the night and instrument rating has been a big undertaking over the past couple of years. It was a much bigger than I initially anticipated. Finding a qualified instructor for this specialised aviation training is difficult and complicated but when you live remotely there are additional hurdles. Without the award, and the encouragement of the trust, I may not have seen it through.”

“I’m passionate about primary eye care in the outback. Working with Bill Robertson Eyecare Plus allows me to provide quality care to some of the most remote locations in Australia and this additional flight training enables me to do it with greater skill, proficiency and safety"

Now it's onwards and upwards for Jo, as he settles back into life as a flying optometrist in the centre.  

The Roger Connellan Award was introduced in 2017 in honour of Connellan Airways aviator Roger Connellan who was the Chief Check and Training Captain (later known as Connair) and pioneer aviator E.J Connellan’s son. Roger was responsible for the department of Civil Aviation checks that pilots underwent. 

Training, like the type of training undertaken by Jo for his aviation instrument ratings, is somewhat different for those living and working remotely. Connellan Airways Trust supports a range of grants designed to improve the lives of people living and working in outback Australia. We focus on education and health outcomes. Supporting people in the bush (isolated, rural, and remote) leads to an educated, healthy, and thriving outback Australia. 

For further information on grants and awards, or to support people in the outback through the Trust visit the website www.connellanairwaystrust.org.au  

The Trust is currently reviewing applications for the 2020 Roger Connellan Award and will make the announcement of this year’s recipient in September.