Introducing Connellan Airways Trust's New EO

Welcoming Declan Kelly as Connellan Airways Trust EO

The Connellan Airways Trust Board is excited to welcome Declan Kelly as our new Executive Officer.

Based in outer Melbourne, Declan brings a deep commitment to remote Australia, shaped by years of working alongside community radio stations across the country. His background spans grants, operations, stakeholder engagement and national partnerships, skills that will support and strengthen the Trust’s impact.


Declan has a strong understanding of both the challenges and the strengths of remote communities, and is passionate about backing local leadership, connection and opportunity. Known for his energy, strategic thinking and drive to make systems work better for the people they serve, Declan is well placed to help guide the Trust’s next chapter.


“I’m honoured to join the Connellan Airways Trust, whose mission and legacy are deeply respected,” Declan said. “I look forward to working with the Board, our partners and the communities we serve to build on the Trust’s proud history and support even greater impact in the years ahead. I’m especially excited about our upcoming grant round, opening on August 1, which is another opportunity to invest in the people and places that make remote Australia thrive.”


Get in touch
Declan is eager to connect with grant applicants, community organisations and partners across the country. If you’d like to get in touch, please reach out via
info@connellanairwaystrust.org.au.

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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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