Skytrans Blog

Archive for the ‘Coen’ Category

Monday, November 5th, 2012

Don’t wait for a disaster to happen before you think about how you and your family are going to survive.

In a major disaster, high winds, rising floodwaters, debris or damaged roads can prevent emergency services from reaching you.

Your community could be isolated and essential services disrupted for up to three days or more.

During a large scale event emergency services will focus on assisting the most vulnerable in the community.

You may not have immediate access to support and will need to rely on the supplies and equipment you have on hand at home.

If you were isolated right now, would you be prepared?

For more information contact;

Emergency Management Queensland

Community Engagement Officer Christopher Wegger

Christopher.wegger@dcs.qld.gov or 40328682

Posted in Announcement, Aurukun, Bedourie, Birdsville, Boulia, Brisbane, Burketown, Cairns, Charleville, Cloncurry, Coen, Cunnamulla, Doomadgee, Gulf Region, Karumba, Kowanyama, Lockhart River, Mornington Island, Mount Isa, Normanton, Northern Peninsula Area, Pormpuraaw (Edward River), Quilpie, St George, Sydney, Thargomindah, Toowoomba, Western 1, Western 2, Windorah | Comments Off

Vote for the RIHP Rubies Hockey Team!

Friday, September 21st, 2012

The Remote and Indigenous Hockey Program (RIHP) is an initiative in conjunction with Hockey Queensland and Hockey Australia, aimed at creating playing opportunities and development pathways for Indigenous youth in remote Queensland regions. By providing greater support and opportunities to Indigenous players, coaches and umpires, the RIHP is also working towards the goal of getting more Indigenous players in state and national squads.

Photo by Hockey Queensland Sep 6, 2012

The North Queensland Rubies team is a celebration of the work and achievement of the RIHP program. As the first Indigenous hockey team to complete internationally (coming in 3rd at the Singapore Sixes competition) and also receiving a nomination for an international Beyond Sport Award, the North Queensland Rubies have gone from strength to strength.

Australian Women’s Health Magazine have now nominated the RIHP North Queensland Rubies for TEAM OF THE YEAR in their WOMEN AND SPORT FEATURE. We’d like to invite you to get on board and support this great team and initiative.

Please VOTE FOR THE RUBIES HERE

Skytrans are proud to support the transport of RIHP Program staff throughout remote Far North Queensland

Posted in Aurukun, Burketown, Cairns, Cloncurry, Coen, Community Support, Doomadgee, Gulf Region, Karumba, Kowanyama, Lockhart River, Mornington Island, Mount Isa, Normanton, Northern Peninsula Area, Pormpuraaw (Edward River) | Comments Off

Cape United Represent in Mount Isa

Wednesday, September 5th, 2012

On Saturday the 14th of July, a specially selected representative team of players was chosen to represent Cape York in a one-off special rugby league event against a Queensland Outback side at Mount lsa.

With the support of Cape PCYC, the team known as Cape United flew into Cairns from remote communities throughout Far North Queensland for training and team building exercises on the 12th & 13th, before boarding a chartered flight operated by proud sponsor Skytrans to Mount lsa.

The Cape United team, coached by Dave Kennedy bonded well from the start and morale was high prior to the big game, despite the chilly weather! The players and coaching staff also enjoyed watching the Northern Pride defeat the Souths Logan Magpies in a great game and were particularly thrilled that such a high profile game would be played as a “curtain raiser” to their own event.

Unfortunately for the Cape United team, they were not strong enough to come away with a win, going down to the Queensland Outback side in a whitewash finish.

They were able to find satisfaction in the experience however, through realising where the bar was set for them to compete at that level again. Each player left Mount Isa with a commitment and a strong resolve to train harder and improve their game so they can turn the tables next year.

Article & photo courtesy of Glenn Dennis, CAPE PCYC – Kowanyama

Posted in Aurukun, Coen, Community Support, Kowanyama, Lockhart River, Mount Isa, Pormpuraaw (Edward River) | Comments Off

Skytrans Provides Lift for Frontier Services

Tuesday, September 4th, 2012

The Managing Director of Skytrans, Simon Wild announced today details of a community partnership with Frontier Services that will strengthen the provider’s network of services and care delivered to remote families across Queensland.

Under the partnership, Skytrans will provide Frontier Services’ staff with flights to remote locations across Queensland to enable the provision of vital services; particularly children’s services for young families and health care in remote communities.

“Skytrans operates to some of Queensland’s most isolated and remote communities and understands

the challenges that people in these communities face on a daily basis, in terms of quality of life. Through our partnership with Frontier Services we feel that we are making a contribution that offers people access to a service that provides social and emotional support to those in need,” he said.

According to Frontier Services Regional Manager, Karen Harvey, the partnership will assist child care workers with the Frontier Services Remote Family Care Service to reach isolated families and provide relief child care for up to three weeks a year.

The Remote Family Care Service works alongside the Frontier Services Remote Area Families Service (RAFS). FiveRAFS teams of trained early childhood specialists travel out to remote properties and communities in four-wheel-drive vehicles, jam-packed with educational toys and activities for the children. They also provide resources, advice and support to the parents.

Frontier Services also has two health care services in Queensland; the Savannah Regional Health Service and the Bollon Bush Nursing Centre. The Savannah Regional Health Service, based out of Georgetown, played an active role in helping the community recover from Cyclone Yasi.

Ms Harvey said that in effect, “The families, who are a long way from mainstream child care services, can access the service when they need it most, for example during shearing, mustering or hardship.

“Being able to access the flights to get our child care workers around the state will make a huge difference. It will give us more flexibility to respond to a family’s request, particularly if there is an urgent need. It will also greatly reduce travel time for the child care workers, many of whom are on the road for weeks at a time.

“We are delighted to begin this partnership with Skytrans that will strengthen the whole region as we work together to support remote Queensland,” she said.

Pictured:

John Dickinson, Frontier Services National Development Manager with Skytrans Managing Director Simon Wild.

Karen Harvey, Frontier Service QLD Regional Manager; Anna Burley, Frontier Services Primary Health Care Nurse & Team Leader of the Savannah Regional Health Service; Steve Jones, Skytrans Commercial Manager of RPT Services; Billy Gordon, Skytrans Community Development Manager.

Posted in Announcement, Aurukun, Bedourie, Birdsville, Boulia, Brisbane, Burketown, Cairns, Charleville, Cloncurry, Coen, Community Support, Cunnamulla, Doomadgee, Gulf Region, Karumba, Kowanyama, Lockhart River, Mornington Island, Mount Isa, Normanton, Northern Peninsula Area, Pormpuraaw (Edward River), Quilpie, St George, Sydney, Thargomindah, Toowoomba, Western 1, Western 2, Windorah | Comments Off

“Deadly Story” Justin Lee-Walker

Friday, August 17th, 2012

Justin Lee-Walker is a softly spoken man who has for many years understood the importance of maintaining culture and looking after Country.

Born in Mareeba in 1978 Justin grew up in Coen as a young lad with his mother’s family.

As a Wik-Mungkan man, Justin has lived and worked at Merapah Station, which is an outstation north west of Coen.

It was here, through the mentoring of his grandfather, that he learnt the teachings of culture, language, dance and the importance of being a warrior.

Justin is an Information and Inspection Officer with the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries at Biosecurity Queensland, where he helps the government’s effort to prevent, respond to, and recover from pests and disease that threaten the economy and environment.

Where were you born?

I was born in Mareeba in 1978 and my traditional country is Wik-Mungkan in the Merapah area.

What have been some of your biggest achievements?

My biggest achievement is learning my culture, language and song from my grandfather and learning the knowledge of looking after country.

I am a medicine man and a warrior, something that I take seriously and something that is close to my heart.

Who have been your biggest influences in your life?

My grandfather taught me my culture, language, song and dance and he has been the biggest influence in my life.

He has been my mentor and role model and when some of my family passed away I realised that I needed to go back out bush and listen to the spirits and the old people (Ancestors) for direction in my life.

What are your plans for the future?

I have been working with Biosecurity Queensland (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) for seven years and I would like to stay there for a few more years, but ultimately I want to take my cousins and grandsons out to country and teach them their culture and show them their future.

What advice do you have to help our young people succeed in life?

My hopes for the younger kids is to make sure that they speak their language and learn their culture, whether it be through shake-a-leg (dance), songs, fishing or cultural stories.

For me, it’s about raising them to be warriors.

The deadly stories campaign celebrates the many achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their communities.

What’s your Deadly Story?

Check out other Deadly Story’s at www.reconciliation.qld.gov.au/reconciliation/deadly-stories

Posted in Coen, Community Support | Comments Off

Skytrans launches its inaugural ‘Social Investments Report’

Monday, July 30th, 2012

On Tuesday 17th July Skytrans officially launched the company’s first ever Social Investment Report. The Social Investment Report will be produced annually and showcases the richness and depth of the company’s giving back to the communities that give to us.

The Skytrans Community Development team has been working on the inaugural report for some time, and are proud to finally launch the document which gives a comprehensive view of the valuable corporate social responsibility work that the company is involved in throughout the state. By making social investments into the delivery of programs, activities and initiatives that support youth development, leadership, sports, health care, education and the arts, we aim to contribute to improving the quality of life that people live throughout remote Queensland.

From our support of the Taipans and the Northern Pride here in Cairns, to the Mount Isa Rodeo, the Birdsville Races or RFDS primary health care clinics in Coen, we are giving back to communities –and with a combined financial / in-kind contribution of $846,404 in 2011 alone we are certainly punching above our weight!

If you are interested in reading more about the great work we are doing as a company, you can view the 2011 Social Investments Report on the website at http://skytrans.com.au/docs/skytrans-social-invest-report.pdf or get the latest updates here on the blog.

For further information regarding Skytrans’ social investment work please feel free to contact Skytran’s Community Development team:

Chelly Hewson or Billy Gordon on 07 40406700 / communitydevelopment@skytrans.com.au

Pictured are: Dwayne Vale (Taipans), with Billy Gordon (Skytrans) & Peter Harm (Commonwealth Bank, Indigenous Banking Unit). Steve Jones (Skytrans Commercial Manager), Chelly Hewson (Skytrans) & Robbie Bastion (Parker Travel Collection)

Posted in Announcement, Aurukun, Bedourie, Birdsville, Boulia, Brisbane, Burketown, Cairns, Charleville, Cloncurry, Coen, Community Support, Cunnamulla, Doomadgee, Gulf Region, Karumba, Kowanyama, Lockhart River, Mornington Island, Mount Isa, Normanton, Northern Peninsula Area, Pormpuraaw (Edward River), Quilpie, St George, Thargomindah, Toowoomba, Western 1, Western 2, Windorah | Comments Off

Cessation of Cape York Local Fare Scheme ($99 Fare)

Thursday, July 26th, 2012

Skytrans has today been advised by the Qld Department of Transport and Main Roads that the State Government’s ‘Local Fare Scheme’ or commonly referred to $99.00 Fare will cease to be available effective immediately. This is a decision that has been made by the Department of Transport and Main Roads and not Skytrans.

Skytrans wishes to advise that residents of the Cape York communities of Kowanyama, Pormpuraaw, Aurukun, Northern Peninsula Area, Lockhart River and Coen will be affected.

Skytrans would like to notify members of the traveling public that have existing bookings under the Local Fare Scheme that these bookings will be honoured by Skytrans. However any changes to existing bookings will be subject to normal fees and charges including the upgrading to the next cheapest available fare.

For further information in regards to existing bookings please contact our office on 1300 759 872.

For further information in regards to the Local Fare Scheme please contact:

The Department of Transport and Main Road’s Aviation Team

Email: aviation@tmr.qld.gov.au

Phone: +61 7 3167 4483

Please feel free to contact Skytran’s Community Development Manager Billy Gordon for any information about Skytran’s Service on 07 40406732 / 0458462440.

Posted in Announcement, Aurukun, Coen, Kowanyama, Lockhart River, Northern Peninsula Area, Pormpuraaw (Edward River) | Comments Off

Supporting Primary Health Care in Cape York

Wednesday, May 30th, 2012

Skytrans partners with the Royal Flying Doctors Service to assist in the delivery of Primary Health Care Clinics to the remote outlying communities of Port Stewart & Silver Plains Homestead in Cape York.

The people of these communities don’t always have the opportunity to access health care as the closest centre is located in Coen some 95 kilometres away and is often isolated during the wet.

The RFDS Wellbeing Centre in conjunction with Apunipima and Queensland Health has initiated a new model of service delivery, by taking primary health care directly to these communities.

Last year one such clinic saw More than 45 patients of all ages seen during the day – the elders received a medical check-up, and the infants and children were immunised.

Dr Anna Morgan said that people opened up much more about their health issues on country, compared to when they visited a clinic in town, because they were much more comfortable engaging and talking in familiar surroundings.

Community Counsellor Shaun Sellwood said that taking the IRIS (Indigenous Risk Impact Screening) program to Port Stewart was an excellent way to start conversations about making changes in relation to drug and alcohol use, in an environment that supported positive lifestyle choices (Port Stewart is a self-imposed dry area) .

The success of the day was summed up by one of the patients, who told Shaun about her elder, who had passed away. She said, “He would be smiling down on the group because he was so thankful that people have come on to his country to provide services for us.”

Posted in Coen, Community Support | Comments Off

Kids Living Safer Lives – Term 1 School Holidays

Thursday, May 24th, 2012

BACKGROUND

Skytrans has been a generous supporter of the Kids Living Safer Lives (KLSL) Holiday program since its inception in 2008. The holiday program provides in-community diversionary activities for kids either as stand alone activities or as a supplement to other programmed activities with a view to significantly reducing juvenile offending and anti-social behaviour. The heaviest demand on the program falls during the wetter parts of the year – and on this occasion it was the Term 1 (April) school holidays. Due to the late onset of the wet season, the Term 1 holiday program was run as a wet season program as road access to most communities was cut and air travel was the only viable way of accessing those communities.

During the 2012 April school holidays, Skytrans very kindly sponsored the delivery of some facilitator gear and fruit supplies into the following communities serviced by Skytrans flights – Pormpuraaw, Coen, Lockhart River, Aurukun and the Northern Peninsula Area communities for use as part of the Kids living Safer Lives holiday programs run by AFL Cape York.

Skytrans carried the gear to the communities at no cost to the program. This report acknowledges that very generous contribution.

OUTCOMES

All facilitators were able to get their gear into the communities as and when required, which meant that all programs could get underway fully equipped from the outset.

In addition, in order to match our ‘Eat Healthy’ words with action, the KLSL program supplied large quantities of fruit to the kids through the course of the program and Skytrans kindly carried the fruit supplies at no cost to the KLSL program. This fruit helped sustain the participants through the course of the activities and was well appreciated as evidenced by our young friend from Coen

Over 8 days of activities, the various activities in the Skytrans serviced communities recorded over 1400 participants.

On behalf of AFL Cape York, the Kids Living Safer Lives program and the participants, we say yet another big thank you to Skytrans.

Photo Courtesy of Dominic Johns

Posted in Aurukun, Coen, Community Support, Lockhart River, Pormpuraaw (Edward River) | Comments Off

KIDS LIVING SAFER LIVES, 2012 WET SEASON PROGRAM

Tuesday, March 13th, 2012

Skytrans has been a generous supporter of the Kids Living Safer Lives (KLSL) Holiday program since its inception in 2008. The holiday program provides in-community diversionary activities for kids either as stand alone activities or as a supplement to other programmed activities with a view to significantly reducing juvenile offending and anti-social behaviour. The heaviest demand on the program falls during the wetter part of the year – particularly the December-January school holidays – when roads are usually cut and air travel is the only viable way of accessing communities.

During the 2012 January school holidays, Skytrans very kindly sponsored the delivery of some heavy activity gear and fruit supplies into the communities services by Skytrans flights – Kowanyama, Pormpuraaw, Coen, Lockhart River, Aurukun and the Northern Peninsula Area communities for use as part of the Kids living Safer Lives holiday programs run by AFL Cape York.

Skytrans carried the gear to the communities at no cost to the program. This report acknowledges that contribution.

During the holiday program, KLSL facilitated their leadership skirmish program at Lockhart River for the first time. This required the gear to be transported from the NPA to Cairns, then on to Lockhart River, where the skirmish program was a huge success under KLSL project officer Richard McLean. Following the return to school, the gear was also taken to Kowanyama for a continuation of the program there with Richard McLean and Steve Hook from KLSL. This required the gear to be flown back from Lockhart River to Cairns, out to Kowanyama and then back to Cairns upon the conclusion of the program.

All this was done by Skytrans at no cost to the KLSL program.

Skytrans also flew the KLSL program’s gymnastics gear to Pormpuraaw and Kowanyama during the closing phases of the holiday program, also at no cost. Gymnastics is a major component of the program, as Cape kids are eager participants and naturally gifted in this sport. The gymnastics gear, like the skirmish gear, is very heavy and it would be prohibitive to freight to the remote communities by air if it were not for the generosity of Skytrans.

In order to match our ‘Eat Healthy’ words with action, the KLSL program supplied large quantities of fruit to the kids through the course of the program and Skytrans kindly carried the fruit supplies at no cost to the KLSL program.

Over 3 weeks of activities, the various activities in the Skytrans serviced communities recorded over 5200 participants.

On behalf of AFL Cape York, the Kids Living Safer Lives program and the participants, we say another big thank you to Skytrans.