Skytrans Blog

Archive for the ‘Toowoomba’ Category

A Fashionable Fundraiser

Thursday, April 4th, 2013

A great day was had by all at the annual ‘Tracking the Arts Race Day’ on the 8^th March 2013 at Clifford Park Race Track.

A popular favourite in the USQ Artsworx season, Race Day is not only a social highlight, but also an important fundraising event for the University’s production house.

Artsworx Manager, Rebecca Scollen said, “a flourishing arts scene is the sign of a healthy community.

Rebecca Scollen and Andrew Mason

Race Day is the only fundraiser for the year making it a real showcase for products and students.

More than 190 people enjoyed the afternoon of fashion, fun, art and auctions showcasing the skills and wares of USQ Creative Arts staff and students.

Sue Pearson, Peter and Judi Mitchell

Guests enjoyed performances by USQ singers and musicians; had the opportunity to bid on a fabulous range of artworks by USQ Visual Arts Lecturers; and watched Australian artist and McGregor School tutor, Don Milner create a masterpiece for the live auction.

True to race day tradition, the event also included a hotly contended fashions on the field and a fashion parade introducing Carolyn Taylor-Smith’s fabulous new fashion range and styling hats and fascinators by local milliner, Michelle Mingay.

Kate and Alexander Nordang

The event raised close to $8 000 on the day, which will go directly towards the 2013 season assisting in the production of events that involve USQ Creative Arts students, such as the Shakespeare in the Park Festival, Children’s Theatre Week, concerts and visual art exhibitions.

On the day Skytrans proudly donated two air tickets Toowoomba to Sydney to help contribute to the fundraising effort.

Posted in Community Support, Toowoomba | Comments Off

C&K Gabbinbar Community Kindergarten Trivia Night

Tuesday, December 18th, 2012

(Pictured L to R – Penny Chandler (Director C&K Gabbinbar Community Kindergarten) & Beck Hooley (Winner of Skytrans Prize) & Baby Lola

The C&K Gabbinbar Community Kindergarten recently had its first ever fundraising event which was held on the 17th November 2012. We were delighted when approximately 100 Trivia Buffs ‘battled it out’ to be the 2012 Trivia Champions. To say the competition was ‘fierce’ was an understatement.

Our small but dedicated Fundraising Team had sold almost 1600 multi-draw raffle tickets leading up to the night and at the actual event itself. We were truly impressed with the generosity of local businesses who wanted to be involved with the evening through donations for our multi-draw raffle and auction. The most sought after prize on the evening (thanks Skytrans!) was a return flight for two people from Toowoomba to Sydney. Congratulations goes to Beck Hooley (pictured above) who won the major prize and now just has to decide who else to take on her trip.

Thanks to this outstanding support from local families and businesses, we were able to raise funds in excess of $3000.

Our Kindergarten (of approx. 20 families) has only been open since January this year as a part of the government scheme for providing more opportunities for Queensland children to attend Kindergarten. As we are a not for profit organisation, we rely on fundraising events such as the Trivia Night to provide essential resources and any improvements to the service. We are using the funds raised from our Trivia Night to improve the children’s outdoor eating and play areas which are currently exposed to the elements.

Thanks to the roaring success of this year’s event, we are all looking forward to doing it all over again, bigger and better next year.

Posted in Community Support, Toowoomba, Western 1, Western 2 | Comments Off

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

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 Inaugural Toowoomba to Sydney Service!

Monday, August 20th, 2012

A chilly July morning in Toowoomba saw passengers rugged up in readiness for the Inaugural Toowoomba to Sydney flight. This newest of Skytrans routes has been in the planning stages for over a year now, and has been highly anticipated.

Toowoomba Lord Mayor Paul Antonio and several other Toowoomba dignitaries officiated in a cake cutting ceremony in what is a turning point in Toowoomba’s history, witnessed by 39 passengers set to board the inaugural service.

Television, Press and Radio were at the forefront capturing every moment and a journalist from the Toowoomba Chronicle accompanied us on the flight recording every exciting moment.

Clear blue skies paved the way for a smooth flight to Sydney while Flight Attendants Hayley and Sam attended to passengers every whim.

Touch down in Sydney was met with applause and a great sense of pride, and being part of such an historic moment could be felt by all. Two fire trucks delivered the traditional water cannon welcome as the plane made its way down the taxiway and capped off the realization of such a memorable flight.

A very warm welcome by the CEO of the Sydney Airport and other dignitaries brought home just how important this service is, and the long term benefits it generates for Toowoomba. This is the first regional interstate service operated into Sydney airport, illustrating the emergence of the Downs region as a strong economic performer for Queensland.

An enthusiastic group of passengers boarded for the flight from Sydney to Toowoomba. Once again we were blessed with blue skies and the flight to Toowoomba went smoothly and without a hitch.

The commitment by all concerned in the preparation and execution on the day resulted in a highly successful launch and one which impressed all who attended.

Posted in Announcement, Sydney, Toowoomba, Western 1, Western 2 | Comments Off

Toowoomba Meets Sydney

Monday, July 30th, 2012

Skytrans Managing Director Simon Wild, John McVeigh Member of Toowoomba South & Paul Antonio Mayor of Toowoomba Regional Council

Just weeks after celebrating the launch of its daily direct flight service between Toowoomba and Sydney, Skytrans, in conjunction with Toowoomba Surat Basin Enterprise and Destination NSW, hosted a meeting of key business leaders from both ports in Sydney this month.

This event, entitled, Toowoomba Meets Sydney was organised to put Toowoomba’s key business leaders in touch with potential business partners and investors from NSW. It also served to highlight Skytrans new flight by providing a daily return service to those attending from the Darling Downs.

The program comprised presentations by Toowoomba’s Mayor, Paul Antonio, Skytrans Managing Director, Simon Wild and Toowoomba Surat Basin Enterprise’s Shane Charles as well as Wayne Lange, Director Tourism Operations, Destination NSW. All 40 guests then enjoyed lunch with a harbour view at The Waterfront, Circular Quay west.

Skytrans Managing Director, Simon Wild said the event was truly worthwhile and served to open doors to new business possibilities that are now a reality with the airline’s new direct service.

For further information on fares and schedules or to make a booking, please visit www.skytrans.com.au or call 1300 SKYTRANS (759872) to speak with one of our friendly reservations staff.

Posted in Announcement, Sydney, Toowoomba | 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

Surat Mining and Energy Expo

Monday, June 25th, 2012

The 20^th and 21^st of June saw Skytrans at the Surat Basin Mining and Energy Expo held in Toowoomba. We had a great time in Toowoomba showcasing our charter operations as well as promoting the new service between Toowoomba and Sydney.

This new service is garnering great interest in Toowoomba and bookings are strong. Skytrans also sponsored the Exhibitor Networking function on the Wednesday night that was attended by over 400 people.

Skytrans looks to participate in many more events in Toowoomba as we continue to strengthen our ties with the Darling Downs.