Skytrans Blog

Archive for the ‘Announcement’ 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

 

 

 

 

 


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.


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.

 


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.

   


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.

 


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)

 


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.

 

 


Would you like to visit the 2012 Bedourie Races?

Monday, June 25th, 2012

 

visitors@diamantina.qld.gov.au

1300 794 257

www.diamantina.qld.gov.au

 


Skytrans Monster Raffle Draw

Thursday, June 14th, 2012

Skytrans yesterday drew the winners of the Monster Raffle as part of our Relay for Life fund raising efforts. We are pleased to announce the winners and their prizes below.  All winners will be contacted soon and their prizes will be delivered.

  1. Flights and fishing trip to Bamaga from Cairns – M. Siva, Cairns
  2. Signed Taipans Jersey – M. Thorne, Mt Isa
  3. Signed Taipans Retro Jersey – L. Bailey, Mt Isa
  4. Reef Membership Package to the Northern Pride – D. Wild, Cairns
  5. Signed and mounted Taipans Basketball – M. Duncombe, Cairns
  6. Signed and mounted Taipans Basketball – M. Clark, Kanimbla
  7. Signed and mounted Northern Pride ball – T. Lazarus, Bungalow
  8. Skytrans Golf Bag – J. Wilcox, Mt Isa
  9. Half Day Wilderness Cruise (2 x Adults) – M. Wild, Cairns
  10. 90 minute Sunset Cruise (2 x Adults) – M. Siva, Cairns
  11. Full day cruise to Green Island (2 x Adults) M. Anderson, Cairns

A huge THANK YOU goes out to everyone who supported the raffle by either selling or purchasing tickets, your combined efforts helped us raise an impressive $2,215.90.

Relay for Life is on this weekend the 16th and 17th of June.  The whole Skytrans team is looking forward to a fun weekend.  Check back here for the photos!

 


SKYTRANS ‘DESTINATIONS GUIDE’ UNVEILED

Monday, June 4th, 2012

AN ADVENTUROUS CAMPAIGN LINKING COUNTRY QUEENSLAND BY AIR

 

 

As Australia’s first travel trade ready program showcasing regional Queensland, the launch of Skytrans new Destinations Guide’ holiday program on Tuesday, 29 May is a significant commitment from the airline to showcase the state’s better kept secrets.

The managing director of Skytrans, Simon Wild is delighted with the finished product that was three years in the making. “Destinations allows us to give back to Queensland’s heartland – the old fashioned way – by telling stories that will fire your imagination and stimulate renewed interest in the Queensland Outback and Cape York experience.”

Destinations has been developed by Skytrans in conjunction with Australia’s leading tourism business development company, Parker Travel Collection – who will now work with Skytrans to market the campaign world-wide starting with an official launch to travel trade at next month’s Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) in Perth.

According to Todd Parker, managing director, Parker Travel Collection, the ‘Destinations Guide’ is an authentic and compelling insight into Queensland’s six country regions as well as Skytrans’ two gateway hubs of Cairns and Brisbane. Each region is clearly identified while incorporating an appealing combination of hotels, touring product and events for standalone sale.

“In its region by region showcase, the ‘Destinations Guide’ takes its cue from major events featured in Tourism Queensland’s Outback Eventures’ initiative that will then be independently packaged and promoted starting with the Mount Isa rodeo in August,” he said.

 In brief, Destinations:

  • Features six country and two city regions across Queensland – Toowoomba/Cunnamulla, Corner Country (Quilpie and Charleville), Channel Country (Birdsville, Bedourie, Boulia), Mount Isa, Gulf (Karumba and Normanton), Cape (Tip and Coen), Brisbane and Cairns.
  • Travel Trade Ready – Commission offered on all products for domestic and international distribution.
  •  ‘Things to Do’ – Listed in each area along with other local information (description and temperature guides), events supported by Tourism Queensland as part of its Eventures and Adventures campaigns.  
  • Initial Distribution – Skytrans network (in-flight, website, consumer database), travel trade (retail, domestic wholesale and international inbound) as well as all visitor information centres throughout regional Queensland.  
  • Packaging – Launch campaign will be followed by a succession of packages focussing solely on an event/activity starting with the Mount Isa Rodeo.  

Skytrans is a Queensland owned company with 20 years of operating history and a fleet of Dash-8 aircraft flying to 24 ports around Queensland and now New South Wales on scheduled and charter services. All flights feature full in-flight service, movies, and quality catering.  

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.

Parker Travel Collection has offices in Melbourne, Cairns, Gold Coast, Guangzhou, Los Angeles, London and Seoul. For further information, contact Todd Parker, Parker Travel Collection on 07 4055 6122, mob: 0417 440 922, email: or visit the website on www.parkertravelcollection.com

 

Media Contact: Jillian Spencer on 07 4040 6700 or jillian.spencer@skytrans.com.au

Issued by: Pip Miller PR Mob: 0419 681 543 Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au