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Jason Connelly and Douglas Sward of Orbost Airport receive 2023 National Small Regional Aerodrome award for 2023

East Gippsland Orbost Airport, overseen by the council, won the National Small Regional Aerodrome title twice at AAA's 2023 Industry Awards, showcasing excellence in safety, innovation, and community dedication.

By news@gippsland - 28th November 2023 - Back to News

The Orbost Airport, managed by East Gippsland Shire Council, has secured the National Small Regional (non-RPT) Aerodrome of the Year title for the second time in recent years at the Australian Airports Association (AAA) National Industry Awards 2023 in Melbourne. This remarkable feat marks three consecutive years that East Gippsland Shire Council-managed aerodromes have proudly claimed a prestigious national industry award.

Proud moment as Jason Connelly (left) and Douglas Sward (right) receive the award for Small Regional(non-RPT) Aerodrome of the Year from National Chair at Australian Airports Association, Kym Meys

Airport excellence acknowledged

Mayor Cr Tom Crook said council was elated and immensely proud of Orbost Airport's continued success at the AAA National Industry Awards. "This achievement underscores our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety, innovation and functionality in the aviation sector," Cr Crook said.

Orbost Airport's success is attributed to its outstanding efforts in various areas, with a particular focus on vegetation management. Council's dedication to safety is evident in the successful removal of significant penetrations of the Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS), ensuring uncompromised aircraft safety.

"The commitment to vegetation management, upgrading security and wildlife-proof fencing, and landside improvements demonstrates our unwavering dedication to providing a safe and efficient environment for all stakeholders," Cr Crook said.

Airport safety enhancements

The upgraded security measures, including wildlife-proof fencing along the entire airside boundary, enhance safety and security for all airport users. Landside improvements provide tenants with year-round weather access entry tracks, showcasing Orbost Airport's commitment to excellence in both functionality and aesthetics.

"Orbost Airport plays a vital role in our community, accommodating small recreational general aviation medical services such as Air Ambulance Victoria and Angel Flight, and serving as an airbase during emergency aerial firefighting activities, especially during prone summer bushfire seasons," Cr Crook said.

Award winners

Australian Airports Association (AAA) National Industry Awards 2023 full list of winners, and they are as follows:

• Airport Excellence Award: DEI Leadership Award | Melbourne Airport and Brisbane Airport: Flying high on International Women's Day
• Airport Excellence Award: Operations Award | Sydney Airport: Security Operations Real-Time Dashboard
• Airport Excellence Award: Infrastructure Award | Brisbane Airport: International Apron Rectification Project
• Airport Excellence Award: Sustainability Award | Cairns Airport: Cairns Airport SLL - A ground-breaking Agreement to Support Threatened Species
• Airport Excellence Award: Commercial Award | Brisbane Airport: Brisbane's Best Bites
• Airport Excellence Award: Innovation Award | Sydney Airport: Tripsim by SYD, an innovative digital product launched by Sydney Airport
• Small Regional Airport/Aerodrome | Fulton Hogan and Jacobs: Cessnock Airport Upgrade Project
• Large Regional Airport | ASI Solutions (UK): Sustainably extending the life of Mackay Airport RWY14/32
• Major, Metro and Capital City Airport | To70 Aviation: Western Sydney International Airport - Interactive Flight Path and Aircraft Noise Impact Tool
• Emerging Airport Leader Award | Hayley Vale - Port Hedland International Airport
• Appreciation Award | Greg Fordham - Managing Director, Airbiz
• Small Regional (non-RPT) Aerodrome of the Year | Orbost Airport: Vegetation Management, Airport Safety & Security
• Small Regional (RPT) Airport of the Year | Gove Airport: Terminal Revitalisation 2022/23
• Large Regional Airport of the Year | Port Hedland International Airport: Port Hedland International Airport
• Major Airport of the Year | Cairns Airport: Growing Sustainably for Our Community
• Metro Airport of the Year | Bankstown Airport: Bankstown Airport
• Capital City of the Year | Brisbane Airport: Sustainability Leadership

With an estimated annual aircraft movement of 1000-1500 flights, Orbost Airport continues to be a cornerstone of East Gippsland's aviation landscape and plays a strategically important role in times of fire emergency and to connect locals with health services in metropolitan Melbourne.

Pictures from East Gippsland Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Cycling Without Age Gippsland has resumed free trishaw rides at Lake Guthridge, Sale, welcoming Central Gippsland Health passengers and 16 floral art convention visitors, while inviting bookings and new volunteers.
• Bass Coast and South Gippsland businesses invited to connect, collaborate and network at upcoming Meet the Makers event in Meeniyan on 13 October 2026
  Local producers, makers and hospitality businesses across Bass Coast and South Gippsland are invited to Meet the Makers in Meeniyan on October 13, offering networking, collaboration and showcasing opportunities.
• Celebrate the Lakes event highlighting Gippsland Lakes diversity and environmental projects protecting vital local ecosystems
  The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority will host Celebrate the Lakes at Eagle Point, showcasing Gippsland Lakes biodiversity, environmental projects and community efforts protecting local waterways, wetlands and wildlife.
• Darren Chester joins Annabel Crabb for locally sourced Gippsland feast on ABC's Kitchen Cabinet series
  Darren Chester will feature on ABC's Kitchen Cabinet with Annabel Crabb, showcasing Gippsland produce and locally sourced food when the episode airs August 25.
• Councils begin planning for renewable energy growth across Wellington and South Gippsland communities
  Wellington and South Gippsland councils have begun a major renewable energy planning project, backed by $4.7 million, to prepare communities for future growth through housing, infrastructure, employment, services and economic development.
• Dental experts warn Labor plan could worsen lengthy public dental waits for vulnerable Gippslanders across regional Victoria
  Dental experts warn Labor's proposed public dental expansion could worsen Gippsland wait times, with vulnerable residents already facing waits exceeding two years in some areas.
• Darren Chester congratulates Gippsland Agricultural Group on successful Gippsland Red Meat Conference in Sale
  Darren Chester has praised the successful Gippsland Red Meat Conference in Sale, highlighting industry collaboration, innovation, productivity and the need to reduce red tape for farming families.
• Wellington Shire Council secures $2M for road safety improvements across five Gippsland towns before mid-2027
  Wellington Shire Council has secured $2 million for road safety upgrades across Maffra, Stratford, Sale, Wurruk and Heyfield, with works beginning before Christmas and completion expected by mid-2027.
• Walhalla Museum launches virtual reality experience bringing gold mining history to life for visitors through new Regional Tourism upgrade project
  Walhalla Museum has launched a $50,000-funded virtual reality experience showcasing its gold mining history, with multilingual and accessible visitor facilities supported through the Victorian government's Tiny Towns Fund.
• Traralgon Tyers interconnect begins, strengthening water supply reliability and resilience across four Gippsland towns for future regional growth
  Gippsland Water has begun construction on a 4.5-kilometre pipeline linking four towns to Traralgon’s water network, improving reliability, resilience, efficiency and capacity for future regional growth.
• Latrobe City Council urges Premier Ben Carroll to include the region among Victoria's three free dental clinic locations
  Latrobe City Council urges Premier Ben Carroll to select Latrobe City for a free regional dental clinic, improving affordable healthcare access and reducing cost-of-living pressures.
• Flight test command centre opens, strengthening Latrobe's role in Australia's advanced aviation innovation sector and creating new opportunities
  Latrobe's new Flight Test Range Command Centre has opened at Latrobe Regional Airport, supporting advanced aviation research, drone technology, investment, manufacturing growth and skilled jobs across the region.