These newsletters aim to share updates, learnings, and guidance about our current (and future!) service deliveries. If you wish to subscribe, please email uav@surflifesaving.com.au
AUAVS Awards Winners Announced!
AUAVS is thrilled to present this year’s AUAVS Awards, our annual recognition program that honors outstanding individuals in our DPI program. These awards aim to acknowledge members who demonstrate exceptional conduct, performance, and adherence to safety protocols consistently across DPI seasons and beyond. With so many fantastic nominations, the board had a tough job choosing just two! We are pleased to announce the winners of this year’s AUAVS Awards:
AUAVS Pilot of the Year 2024: Beau Monks
Beau has been heavily involved with AUAVS for over 6 years on the Far North Coast, as a staff member and volunteer. Beau’s extensive experience as a UAV Pilot, UAV Educator, LEO, his leadership roles, and his active involvement in search and rescue missions underscore his exceptional qualifications and commitment. Beau has been a key team member in countless emergency deployments, as is consistently willing to go above and beyond to ensure public safety including performing CRP on shift on 2 separate occasions!
AUAVS Rookie of the Year 2024: Tony Silvia
In just 7 months with AUAVS, Tony has become an extremely valuable team member on the Mid North Coast. After completing the OIP, Tony quickly approached the role of LEO and also got his RePL. As soon as he was appointed LEO he showed great initiative in trying to improve operational safety at the location by scoping out new staging areas, considering the practicality of each area. Tony has been very flexible during his employment with AUAVS and willing to assist in any way he can. Where there have been empty shifts at neighbouring beaches Tony has been the first in offering to cover them!
Congratulations to Beau and Tony!
Stephanie wins Surf Life Saving Sydney UAV Member of the Year at the Awards of Excellence
We are delighted to announce that Stephanie Magiros, a valued member of our team in Sydney, has been awarded Surf Life Saving Sydney UAV Member of the Year at the Awards of Excellence.
Stephanie, who serves both as a paid staff member and a dedicated volunteer at Elouera, has demonstrated exceptional proficiency. Her technical expertise showcases her commitment to mastering specialised skills and leveraging technology to enhance lifesaving efforts, inspiring others to pursue excellence in their respective roles.
Stephanie’s proactive approach to promoting the use of UAVs for Surf Life Saving and her efforts to encourage female engagement in this space demonstrate her commitment to addressing identified needs and challenges within Surf Life Saving. Thank you, Stephanie, for your service!
Recognising Our Dedicated Volunteer UAV Pilots in Yamba
We are happy to share that Mark and Celeste N, and Mark R have been formally recognised by the Yamba Surf Life Saving Club for their exceptional service. Mark N, the LEO for Yamba, alongside Celeste and Mark R, operate as both paid and volunteer UAV Pilots. A special congratulations to Mark R for being named Club Person of the Year! Their dedication and expertise have been invaluable to the Yamba community, ensuring safety and support through their UAV operations. Great work team!
Representing AUAVS at the Sydney Business Awards
As we shared last month, AUAVS has been named as a finalist in three categories at the Sydney Business Awards 2024.
Oliver Heys and Paul Hardy attended the Gala Night at Sydney Town Hall to proudly represent AUAVS. While we didn’t take home any awards, being recognised as finalists in Excellence in Innovation, Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion, and Paul Hardy as Outstanding Young Business Leader was an incredible honour.
It was also a fantastic night of networking with other professionals, celebrating the achievements and innovations across many industries.