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.
See More
Insights from the Round 2 2026 Grant Round
Round 2 2026 Funding Announcement: $50,612 to 13 projects across remote Australia
Insights from the Round 1 2026 Grant Round
Clearer Pathways, Better Outcomes: How We've Refreshed Our Grants Program
Celebrating Our 2026 Scholarship Recipient
Grants Portal Update: Action Required
General Grant Round 1 Recipients Announced
New Grant Guidelines: Fairer, Clearer, and More Aligned with Remote Australia The Connellan Airways Trust has released new Grant Guidelines designed to make applying simpler, fairer, and more transparent for people and organisations across remote and very remote Australia. These updates take effect for the next round opening 1 November 2025, and reflect CAT’s ongoing commitment to best-practice philanthropy, ensuring every dollar delivers meaningful, measurable outcomes for remote communities. Why the Guidelines Have Changed Over the past year, CAT has reviewed its granting process to ensure it reflects best practice in community philanthropy. The new approach brings: Clarity for applicants through structured questions and clear eligibility criteria; Consistency for assessors via a weighted scoring system; Fairness in outcomes by comparing applications on their demonstrated need, impact, and alignment with CAT’s purpose; Recognition of real delivery costs through a “pay-what-it-takes” model that allows for modest project overheads and contractor fees. Together, these updates ensure CAT’s grants are simpler to apply for, easier to assess, and more impactful for remote Australia. What’s New for Applicants For Individuals Grants of up to $10,000 can now support practical, well-defined activities such as: Study or training fees, including TAFE and vocational courses Travel or accommodation for placements or professional development Tools, materials, or technology enabling participation in study or work Initiatives that improve local health, wellbeing, or leadership capacity Each application will be assessed on six key questions: what you want to do, why it’s needed, who’s involved, your budget, how success will be measured, and how you’ll share outcomes. Read the Individual Guidelines For Organisations Eligible organisations include registered not-for-profits and community groups auspiced by an NFP. Funding supports small, community-led projects that: Build education, health, and wellbeing outcomes Strengthen local connection and participation Support leadership, innovation, and remote capability Projects may include staff or contractor costs directly tied to delivery, essential materials, modest overheads or travel to remote program sites. Read the Organisation Guidelines How Applications Are Assessed All eligible applications are reviewed and scored against six key questions, each carrying a different weighting to reflect its importance. What do you want to do? (20%) Provide a clear and well-defined description of your project or activity, including what you plan to deliver and why. Why is this needed? (25%) Explain the challenge or barrier being addressed. Strong responses include local examples or evidence showing why the project matters. When, where, and who is involved? (20%) Outline your plan, timeline, and who will deliver or participate in the activity. Demonstrate readiness and local engagement. Budget and value for money (15%) Present a transparent and realistic budget that reflects the true costs of delivery, any co-funding, and overall value to the community. How will success be measured? (10%) Describe how you will know your project has made a difference, for example, through participation numbers, learning outcomes, or improved access and wellbeing. How will outcomes be shared? (10%) Explain how you will communicate or celebrate the results of your project, and how outcomes might be sustained locally. Each question is scored from 1 (Low) to 5 (Exceptional). Applications are ranked in order of merit based on total score until the available funding for the round is fully allocated. Example of Strong Responses A training applicant might describe how a short course in mental health first aid will allow them to better support isolated community members. A community organisation could outline how a new local event reduces social isolation, with data on expected participants and local partners. A health professional might demonstrate how new clinical skills will expand access to early care for remote families. These examples all share the same qualities CAT is looking f or: clarity, evidence of need, practical delivery, and measurable local benefit. Looking Ahead The new guidelines are part of CAT’s commitment to building stronger communities through fair, transparent, and measurable funding. By improving clarity and consistency, the Trust can better support individuals and organisations who are removing barriers, strengthening leadership, and creating opportunities across remote Australia. Next grant round opens 1 November 2025
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.