Queensland Officer’s Conference 2024

In January, the Queensland Group held its annual Officer’s Conference, which was a great success and attended by Officers from Squadrons throughout the Group. During the event, the Officer committed to excellence in training, planning, marketing, and fostering a sense of camaraderie among our dedicated officers.

The corner of the conference was training with informative sessions designed to enhance leadership skills, promote excellence, and refine the knowledge and expertise needed to excel in their roles and inspire the next generation of aviators.

Sqn Captain Mortimer receiving his promotion and confirmation of appointment as Squadron OC, Forest Lake

Effective planning was another key focus of the conference, as officers collaborated to strategise and coordinate upcoming events and initiatives. Through preparation and forward-thinking strategies, they aim to elevate the Queensland Group’s presence and impact within the community, ensuring that the programs offered continue to thrive and reach new heights.

Marketing also plays a crucial role in promoting the Air League’s mission and values, with discussions, brainstorming and plans to be implemented during the conference. By harnessing the power of social media, community partnerships, and outreach efforts, the Group is focusing on attracting new members who share their passion for aviation and leadership development.

Of course, no conference would be complete without a bit of fun and camaraderie, and the dinner event certainly delivered on that front. Officers had the opportunity to unwind, connect with friends, and celebrate their shared achievements in a relaxed atmosphere. Laughter filled the air as stories were shared and friendships strengthened, reinforcing the sense of community that is at the heart of the Australian Air League.

Gliding Scholarship – Victoria Group

The Geelong Gliding Club (GGC) recently awarded Cpl Willow Plenty from Point Cook Squadron in Victoria a scholarship to kickstart her gliding training.

The club committee would like to support younger people’s involvement in gliding and also provide more opportunities for girls to get into it. This package includes membership to the Gliding Federation of Australia (GFA) and her first five instructional flights as a student pilot.

Willow impressed the Geelong Gliding Club committee through her efforts as a Corporal in Point Cook Squadron, having won both Junior and Senior Victorian Cadet of the Year and this year represented Victoria Group as the Federal Cadet of the Year candidate for Victoria Group.

When presenting the scholarship to Cpl Plenty, Mr Steven McAvoy, president of the Geelong Gliding Club, also gave the Point Cook Squadron cadets, Officers, and parents an informative presentation on gliding and what cadets can expect when they visit a gliding club and go for their first training flights.

Our thanks go to the Geelong Gliding Club committee and members for their support of the Australian Air League and youth in aviation.

Forest Lake Fieldcraft Hike

Late last year, five cadets, accompanied by two dedicated adult leaders from Forest Lake Squadron, had a memorable experience undertaking a 20 km hike as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is an exciting new challenge available to cadets in Queensland Group, with the first group of eight participants embarking on a journey of personal growth, development, and adventure. The Award is a youth programme founded in the United Kingdom in 1956 by the Duke of Edinburgh, which has since expanded to 144 nations worldwide.

Under the guidance of the Air League’s Queensland Award Leader, Squadron Captain Biggs, five of these promising individuals planned, prepared, and participated in a 20km hike amidst the vast expanse of a 3000km cropping farm located 42 km outside the picturesque town of Dalby. 

As they started their hike from the farmhouse, the cadets were greeted with a 3000-acre cropping farm and an exceptionally hot day.  Throughout the expedition, the cadets encountered numerous obstacles that tested their skills and teamwork. 

They navigated through irrigation channels, walked along the rocky creek, and conquered steep, slippery inclines of dam walls. These physical challenges not only strengthened their physical fitness but also fostered a sense of self-belief and the capacity to overcome hurdles. They learned in a very practical way about self-care, hydration and resting in shaded areas.

As daylight transitioned into night, the cadets gathered around the campfire, eagerly sharing stories, laughter, and creative hiking meals. The adults provided guidance, sharing their knowledge of survival skills, first aid, navigation and safety in nature. The second night was the most memorable event of the camp, with a massive storm hitting the campsite and the cadets seeking shelter in the farmhouse for the rest of the night. 

The cadets would like to thank the adult leaders for their unwavering commitment to safety and growth. Their dedication and expertise were instrumental in making this remarkable experience possible.

Manly Squadron Gliding Weekend 2024

Over the last weekend of February, the Manly Squadron visited the Southern Tablelands Gliding Club just north of Goulburn for an exhilarating gliding weekend.

With the members arriving by bus on Saturday morning, everyone was keen to get the gliders out and get their heads into the clouds. The cadets were so keen to fly that they left the campsite setup up to the Officers and parents!

The day started with low cloud cover, so the cadets received a safety briefing from the pilot before being shown how to transport the gliders safely to the launching point. 

From here, they learned how to assist with launching a glider and how to retrieve it after a successful landing. By this time, the clouds had lifted, and the flying soon commenced! 

The young cadets didn’t just fly; they all took turns helping with each task: launching a gliding, recovering the winch rope, recovering a glider, and helping the winch operator, all under the supervision of experienced gliding club instructors. 

Some of the older cadets even had the chance to try their hand at the controls—what an unforgettable experience!

After the gliders were put away for the day, the members settled in for dinner and later, some night games on the Grass Strip. Finally, they turned in for the night in their tents at the end of the runway.

On Sunday morning, the camp woke to early morning fog, the perfect time for breakfast and a safety briefing. The cadets again helped bring the gliders to the launch point for the morning. Once the fog burnt off, the gliders were in the air, taking a small break in the middle of the day to swap runways with the changing wind and weather. Some parents also had the opportunity to experience a flight in the glider.

In total, 23 cadets, Officers, and parents took to the skies under the guidance of skilled Southern Tablelands Gliding Club instructors. With 44 thrilling flights, with cadets, Officers, and parents all flying, the excitement was truly palpable!

A massive thank you to the dedicated instructors at the Southern Tablelands Gliding Club for their expertise and guidance throughout the weekend. Your passion for gliding is truly inspiring!

Vale Mrs Edna Bell

It is with regret that we advise of the passing, on Wednesday, 21st February 2023, of Mrs. Edna Bell, an honorary member of the Australian Air League Inc. and the wife of Comr. R. C. Bell, OAM, LM, DSA, MSA.

The funeral service will be conducted on Thursday, 29th February 2024, at 1300 hours at the West Chapel at the Rookwood Cemetery, Hawthorne Ave, Rookwood, NSW 2141

Australian Air League members are invited to attend in full uniform. Officers will wear decorations.

Details can be found in the FRO below.

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Federal Routine Order 03/2024 158.74 KB 131 downloads

Vale Mrs Edna Bell …

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