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
2022 Australian Aviation Awards – Winners!
In some incredible news, the Australian UAV Service (AUAVS) was awarded the major category winner of Remotely Pilot Aircraft Business of the Year at the inaugural 2022 Australian Aviation Awards! Sheldon Finn (UAV Supervisor – HUN/CC) was also selected as a finalist in the RPA Operator of the Year category.
A huge congratulations to everyone involved at the AUAVS on this phenomenal achievement! Our team who attended on the night were delighted to represent all the volunteers and staff who contribute so much to our services. This award is recognition for all the hard work to support our community over the past year and an exciting launchpad for things to come.
We also want to say a big congratulations to the other nominees on their achievements, our government and industry partners and to UNSW for hosting the night.
Well done team!
Spring Season underway!
AUAVS has commenced the spring operating period at 42 sites along the NSW coastline, with operations ceasing on the 09/10/2022. Although there has been inclement weather across the coast, it has been great to hear and see staff and volunteers conducting flights after the long off season! This year we have seen an uptake in Surf clubs rostering volunteers on with staff members on the weekends which has allowed vital skills and knowledge to be transferred. If your club or branch would like to have volunteers flying during AUAVS Operating Periods we are more than happy to discuss this further.
A reminder that the summer operating period will go from the 21/12/22-9/01/22.
ALS & AUAVS Supervisor Pre-season Workshop
The Australian Lifeguard Service and AUAVS teams recently had a fantastic opportunity to come together across regions for a pre-season workshop at Port Macquarie. The three day event was a great chance for both teams to brainstorm an evolving collaborative approach to our joint operations in coastal safety. This included scenario based training to efficiently blend the expertise and procedures of both services to keep our communities safe. It also was an excellent environment for many of the growing AUAVS team to come together to share insights, technical knowledge and discuss strategies in our own evolving operations. The Supervisors will be sharing all the knowledge gained from the event to staff and members over the coming months.
Thanks to the ALS team for bringing your A game to the event and we look forward to continuing the collaboration into the seasons ahead!
Killcare Open Day
Killcare SLSC had kindly invited the Australian UAV Service to their Open Day to discuss with members of the public and surf club the different kinds of drones we use and what it takes to become a UAV Pilot. With other agencies such as the RFS attending the open day, conversations were made about how drones have been utilised previously in flood emergencies, and how they could be used for other potential disasters. It was great to meet some very interested locals and inspire some to consider joining their local surf club to fly drones.
Thanks to all at Killcare SLSC for a fantastic day!