New country airport forum wins award

17 November 2017

A new way for country airports to share best practice ideas has picked up a national award for Orange.

Orange Regional Airport shared in a national award for Innovation & Excellence at a gala presentation in Adelaide this week, alongside Dubbo, Parkes and Scone airports for their work in coordinating the new project.

Orange mayor Reg Kidd has congratulated all involved in the prize.

“Now with the extra fights to Melbourne and Brisbane, the Orange Regional Airport is becoming even more important to our local economy,” Cr Reg Kidd said. “This award recognises the fantastic work that’s happening to keep country airports in touch with new developments.”

GRINNERS : pictured (l. to r.) Cr Sam Romano, Air Corporate First Officer, Gary Burns, Acting Airport Manager Tim Mooney, Cabin Crew Manager Leighanne Gibbons, Air Corporate Captain Mark Di Rosso and Orange Airport Reporting Officer John Goldsmith.

Orange City Council Infrastructure Committee chair Cr Sam Romano was in Adelaide this week for the awards ceremony.

“The council staff at these four country airports are doing a great job and this award comes as well-earned a pat on the back for them,” Cr Sam Romano said.

“The idea to set up a new way of country airports sharing ideas came about through a discussion Orange’s former airport manager Kel Gardiner had with Linsey Mason of Dubbo,” Sam Romano said. “Then, Parkes and Scone also came on board.”

"Former councillor Chris Gryllis worked hard for the airport for many years, and his commitment to this facility played a big part in making it what it is today.

“While there might be extra support for staff in metropolitan areas, in regional areas, the Airport Reporting Officers can work in isolation," Sam Romano said. "The new forum helps the AROs network with each other to see what new directions each airport is taking and what new procedures they’re using to keep our airports safe."

As well as better information sharing, the airport staff also stage face-to-face meetings twice a year.

Orange’s Airport Reporting Officer John Goldsmith was in Adelaide for the presentation along with acting Airports Manager Tim Mooney and Infrastructure Committee chair Cr Sam Romano.

GALA : Representatives of Orange, Dubbo, Parkes and Scone airport were presented with a national award in Adelaide this week. (Inset) Acting airport manager Tim Mooney and Cr Sam Roman are pictured with Orange's award in Adelaide.