Australia Day Achievement Medallion Recipients 2005

For effective safety management and community involvement

Rob’s dedication to the field of Aviation Safety is unquestionable. The time, effort and enthusiasm that Rob contributes to his position within DSEA is without doubt extraordinary. His duties extend not only to domestic safety matters within the Sydney basin, but also extend to international participation and leadership within ICAO in the development of aviation separation standards and safety matters. This has included but is not limited to the proposed introduction of ADS-B separation standards. Rob’s endeavour for continual personal and business improvement has included achieving numerous academic qualifications.

For his expertise and his commitment to Airservices Australia

Aidan is recognised as the operational Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunications Network (AFTN) expert on the system, procedures and practices. In 2004 he was praised by the Bureau of Meteorology for his significant input to the Regional ICAO task force for OPMET Bulletin. He subsequently worked with the ICAO regional office to develop and coordinate a survey for member states. Aidan works closely with many people within Airservices Australia and externally including airlines and the Department of Defence.

Aidan is always willing to go that extra distance to make things happen. His commitment and ambassadorial ship is a credit to Airservices Australia.

For his dedication to the implementation of ADS-B

For his work and dedication toward a world-first implementation of Automatic Dependent Surveillance Technology in Australia. ADS-B will significantly enhance safety by providing air traffic surveillance and automatic safety alerting functions over remote areas of the country, improve operational flexibility and efficiency for aircraft operators and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by allowing aircraft to operate at optimum altitudes and on optimum routes.

For his professionalism and promotion of safety and employee wellbeing.

Stew Hunt is a professional who regards safety as his primary concern. He is well respected and liked by his colleagues. Stew is also a prime mover behind the Staff Satisfaction Group, this groups main focus is to make the Brisbane Centre a better place to work. Stew and the staff satisfaction group have made many changes to Brisbane Centre to make life more pleasant. Stew is also a key figure in the Empowerment Challenge in which Airservices is trying to empower its employees to make changes to make the work environment a better place. Stew also regularly represents Airservices at career expos and information nights. Stew has been an Airservices employee for at least twenty years and has always promoted safety and the welfare of his fellow controllers. Stew receives an Australia Day award because of his commitment to Airservices, air traffic control, his work colleagues and making things better.

For his professionalism and contribution to the Peer Support Network

Ben makes a significant personal contribution to the health and well being of Melbourne Centre's staff. This award specifically recognises the significant contribution that Ben makes to Staff Welfare in his role as a Peer Supporter. Ben has developed extensive Peer Support skills over the years and is much sought after by staff when experiencing work related or personal difficulty.

Ben willingly gives of himself to anyone in need and contributes significant amounts of personal time to helping other come to grips with, and deal with, their difficult and trying circumstances. While it primarily involves assisting staff who have been involved in ATC related incidents, it also includes staff experiencing conflict, performance difficulties and from time to time, personal trauma and loss.

Through his efforts he has been able to guide the development of the Melbourne Centre Peer Support network and has been a successful coach and mentor for other staff taking on the Peer Support role. His efforts, personal behaviours and genuine concern for others reflect the true meaning of "Corporate Citizenship".

For putting safety first and his community involvement through the RFDS.

Ray has worked with Airservices Australia for many years and has always, without fail, put safety first. His enthusiasm for involvement in the Safety Management program is a motivation to other employees to do the same. His integrity, honesty and commitment cannot be questioned and he is well respected by all of his peers. He truly is an asset to this company and this country. His community involvement is widespread and support for organisations such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service is unrelenting.

For professionalism, dedication and commitment

Andrew Wheatley has accepted the challenge of managing the Runway Guard light project which is one of the larger external projects taken on by ISS in 2004.

This project is a significant challenge for Andrew and ISS. Andrew has demonstrated a level of professionalism, and huge dedication and commitment to making this project a success. His approach enhanced Airservices’ reputation and capability with Sydney Airport. Andrew works extensive hours to ensure that project work is completed on time, to budget and to the scope requirements.

Although under constant pressure to perform, his approachable management style motivates staff to accept the challenges and work for to meet the tight targets.

For his expertise and his commitment to Airservices Australia

Robert Worthington receives this medallion for his exceptional performance as the Chief Software Engineer and Product Support Manager of the Aviation Systems Branch of Infrastructure Support Services:

Since his appointment as the Chief Software Engineer in 2002, Robert has overseen the safe, efficient and effective support to TAAATS Eurocat, the primary operational system for air traffic management. In particular, Robert’s unwavering commitment has ensured the successful delivery of successive releases of Eurocat software as well as comprehensive planning for the forthcoming Surveillance Capability Project (SURCAP 1).

His development of the Airways System Management Framework and Airways Systems Management Manual was fundamental to implementing a consistent approach to the management of operational systems across the whole organisation.

In his complimentary role as the Product Support Manager, his commitment to safety has ensured the continued efficacious support, leadership and supervision of four Product Support Teams located in Canberra, Melbourne and Brisbane with support responsibilities for other Airservices Australia’s operational and business systems Robert’s sustained and dedicated effort, his clear appreciation of operational priorities, and his consistent intelligent and sound judgement have proven a great asset to the management of software-based operational systems supporting the operations of Airservices Australia.