Skytrans Blog

Archive for the ‘Burketown’ 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

Karumba Sports Carnival – Gulf Hockey Competition

Monday, October 8th, 2012

The Gulf Hockey Competition was held last month from 18 – 20 September, as part of the Karumba Festival of Sport.

Over 120 Students were in attendance from Georgetown, Distance Ed, Croydon, Normanton, Burketown & Karumba, as well as Development officers from the Remote & Indigenous Hockey Program (RIHP), who conducted workshops and training with senior and junior players, as well as local coaches.

Congratulations must go to the Gulf Hockey winners; Junior Competition winners were Normanton, and Senior Competition winners were Gulf Christian College (Normanton) defeating the runner up Georgetown in a very close and high quality final.

16 young locals were also selected by the RIHP talent identification team, who will have the opportunity to travel to Cairns for a specialist hockey development camp.

Skytrans is proud to support the RIHP who continue to provide pathways and development opportunities for young people from communities across North Queensland.

 

Burketown Hockey Team

  

Junior Competition Winners                                      Senior Competition Winners

 


Posted in Burketown, Community Support, Gulf Region, Karumba, Normanton | 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

Skytrans increases support of Gulf Savannah Development

Friday, September 21st, 2012

The managing director of Skytrans, Simon Wild, has announced that the airline will increase its in-kind support of Gulf Savannah Development with a two year agreement valued at $14,000 in flights.

Since 2010 Skytrans has supported the organisation with flights equivalent in value to $5000 per year.

Rob Macalister, CEO of Gulf Savannah Development said it is great to see Skytrans coming on board with increased sponsorship that will underpin the future success of its small business service.

“Skytrans support will make it easier to get our business mentors into the field and provide valuable, personal advice. The Gulf Savannah is a region of economic growth and the small business service is helping our business community take advantage of the many opportunities that are emerging in our part of the world.

“Latest ABS statistics show that the Gulf Savannah economy enjoyed strong growth between 2009 and 2011 with the total number of businesses increasing by almost 10 per cent. In addition there was a whopping 89 per cent increase in businesses employing over 20 employees. Similarly, businesses turning over more than $500,000 per annum increased by 33 per cent in the same period,” said Mr Macalister.

According to Mr Macalister the growth phase, in spite of the Global Financial Crisis, was initiated on the back of extensive government investment in Gulf infrastructure that included the replacement of the Einasleigh River bridge, sealing of the Karumba airstrip and various road upgrades.

Mr Wild said he is confident Skytrans increased support will help Gulf Savannah Development in its quest to further develop population and economic growth in the Gulf of Carpentaria and while reinforcing its message that the Gulf Savannah is well and truly ‘open for business’.

“We know the value of doing business face to face, particularly in remote areas – and trust that our provision of flights will go a long way to heightening the success of Gulf Savannah Development’s ‘small business’ initiative,” he said.

Mornington Island Mayor Bradley Wilson, Burke Shire Mayor Ernie Camp, Skytrans’ Steve Jones and Carpentaria Shire Mayor Fred Pascoe at the Gulf Savannah Development Board Meeting in Cairns.


Posted in Announcement, Burketown, Community Support, Doomadgee, Gulf Region, Karumba, Mornington Island, Normanton | 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

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

Order of the Outback Ball

Monday, July 30th, 2012

Billy Gordon (Skytrans), Barry Riddiford (MMG), Mayor Ernie Camp, Annie Cork (GSD), John Page (Burke Shire Council CEO) & Ernie Dingo

Last weekend Billy Gordon (Skytrans Community Development Manager) and I travelled out to Burke Shire to be welcomed with plenty of that famous outback hospitality and friendliness this region is well known for. On Saturday night the bi-yearly event, “Order of the Outback Ball”, was held in Burketown with approximately 200 people in attendance.

Congratulations to Burke Shire Council and especially to Hayley Booth and the Ball Committee for their hard work in planning, organising and carrying out such a great function. Rumour has it that Hayley was greatly assisted by her family, especially her Mother (Glenda Booth) and her Sister (Councillor Tonya Murray). Congratulations ladies – it was a huge success to you and the other Committee members! Their attention to detail was only further enhanced with the presence of a spectacularly crystal clear sky.

Not only did a great many locals turn up for this event, but numerous others travelled from other regions to attend the Ball, even from interstate. Ernie Dingo did an admirable job as MC for the night and kept the crowd entertained with his quick wit and charm.

Recipient of the Order of the Outback Award went to Ian “Macca” McNamara from ABC’s radio program ‘Australia All Over’. Macca had a prior commitment and was unable to attend, so Ernie Dingo accepted the award on Macca’s behalf. This Award honours those people or organisations that selflessly provide service, support and recognition to the people of the outback.

The judges would have had an extremely challenging task of judging the best dressed in all eight categories with so many ladies turning up in glamorous gowns, smartly attired guys in their suits and ties and the children all beautifully outfitted.

The buffet meal was delicious and after the speeches were over the band played some toe-tapping music which saw a number of locals and visitors taking to the dance floor to demonstrate that they love to party. No names mentioned, however, there were some very impressive moves being stepped out!

Billy Gordon with Ernie Dingo

Burke Shire Council CEO, John Page and his partner Cheryl did a terrific job of making sure our Sunday was both interesting and enjoyable. Firstly, after a bit of a sleep-in from the late night before, one of the many spots they drove Billy and I out to was Leichhardt Falls. This location is certainly a must-see locality worth visiting for those folk travelling around Burke Shire. Many thanks John and Cheryl.

Afterwards, a number of us met up at Floraville Downs Station at the kind invitation of owners of this property, Mayor Ernie and Kylie Camp. Kylie had prepared a great morning tea spread for us all and many thanks to both Ernie and Kylie for their hospitality.

Lastly, GSD would like to extend our appreciation to all those folk in Burke Shire who extended their hands of friendship, generosity and hospitality to me over the weekend. I felt very much welcomed by Mayor Ernie Camp, Councillors, Council staff (especially John Page and Jenny Williams), business operators and the community. As well, appreciation goes to Skytrans who supported GSD in making this trip possible; and my personal thanks to Billy Gordon for his care and camaraderie during our visit.

Article & photos courtesy of Annie Cork, Gulf Savannah Development

 

 


Posted in Burketown, Community Support, Gulf Region | Comments Off

Burketown 34th World Barramundi Fishing Championships 2012

Monday, April 30th, 2012

The 34th Annual World Barramundi Fishing Championships took place in Burketown over the Easter weekend 6 – 8 April.  The weekend was a great success with 332 competitors from as far as Melbourne and Darwin including many places in between. The fishing conditions were good and the catches reflect this.

Final Figures have not yet been tallied, however but early indications are that the proceeds will be of the order of $5,000 – 6,000 which will be donated to the local school, kindergarten and health clinic.

The boat motor and trailer nomination prize for the adults went to Cody Zahl from Alpha and the Junior nomination prize a Ninetendo Wii went to Shakiah Douglas from Burketown.

The Skytrans voucher for 2 return fares Burketown to Cairns was won by a local – Miss Mayaar Yanner

        

Shania Hookey & Mibbi Yanner                         Kobe & Maddison Marshall

Congratulations to all the winners :

Event Place Winner Address Fish Weight (kg)
Open Barra Adults 1 Lee Carmichael Burketown

9.84
  2 Zach Duff Burketown

8.71
  3 Ian Kennedy Burketown

8.18
Senior All Round Angler 1 Paul Rossi Burketown

7 species -

11.38
Mystery Weight 1 Geoff Darrach Burketown

Barra – 2.68
  1 Kevin Anderson Burketown

Jew – 2.68
Men’s Bream 1 Tyler Frousheger Charleville

1.00
Men’s Fingermark 1 Robert Sullivan Townsville

2.34
Men’s Grunter 1 Peter Sheehan Melbourne

1.74
  1 Orrie Sawczak Mount Isa

1.74
Men’s Jew 1 Trevor Duncan Mount Isa

9.68
Men’s Queenfish 1 Troy Williams Richmond

3.28
Men’s Salmon 1 Greg Portch Burketown

4.92
Women’s Bream 1 Cheryl Portch Burketown

0.86
Women’s Fingermark 1 Renae Baker Sydney

1.10
  1 Haley Booth Burketown

1.10
Women’s Grunter 1 Gloria Beaver Brisbane

1.80
Women’s Jew 1 Gail Barton Mount Isa

3.14
Women’s Queenfish 1 Jamie Firth Mount Isa

2.50
Women’s Salmon 1 Madison Marshall Burketown

4.72
Junior Barra 1 Reece Zahl Alfa

7.20
  2 Sage Marshall Burketown

6.90
  3 Kobe Marshall Burketown

5.62
Junior Bream 1 Sharleigh Cunningham Mount Isa

0.66
  1 Harry McLaren Burketown

0.66
  2 Darby Cunningham Mount Isa

0.62
  3 Shania Hookey Burketown

0.60
  3 Darby Cunningham Mount Isa

0.60
Junior Fingermark 1 Tyronne Cooling Burketown

1.36
  2 Grace Adams Cloncurry

1.14
  3 Brittney Hadden Narramine

1.03
Junior Grunter 1 Shania Hookey Burketown

1.34
  2 Preston Ah Wing Burketown

1.08
  3 Sharleigh Cunningham Mount Isa

1.04
  3 Brittney Hadden Narramine

1.04
Junior Jew 1 Ellie Lavis Burketown

3.44
Junior Queenfish 1 Jerome Shadforth Burketown

1.74
  2 Jerome Shadforth Burketown

1.22
  2 Pemnluny Yanner Burketown

1.22
  3 Darby Cunningham Mount Isa

0.98
Junior Salmon 1 Brodie Hadden Narramine

3.56
  2 Tyronne Cooling Burketown

1.54
  3 Brodie Hadden Narramine

1.46
Junior All Round Angler 1 Shannyn Anderson Burketown

6 Species

 


Posted in Burketown, Community Support, Gulf Region | Comments Off

Gregory Downs May Day Races

Tuesday, May 17th, 2011

In March of this year, the Gregory Downs School P&C, approached Skytrans Airline for a donation towards our 2011 fundraising efforts. Skytrans kindly donated two return airfares from Burketown to Cairns.

The Gregory Downs School P&C out this wonderful donation towards a raffle, which was drawn at the annual Gregory Downs May Day Races. There was a great interest shown in the prize, helping the school to raise just over $1000 from the raffle. This is a great boost for the small P&C. The return flights were won by Mr Tim Nottage from Yeldham Station.

A very big Thankyou to Skytrans Airlines for helping the P&C to raise this money, which will be put towards new resources for the children of the Gregory Downs Educational Facility.


Posted in Burketown, Community Support | Comments Off