The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is pleased to announce the 3 recipients of its latest safety manager scholarship program.
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Western Australians Kate Woolley and Jake Polkinghorne, along with Susan Carroll from Victoria, have each been awarded a $5,000 scholarship to support their professional development and further strengthen safety leadership across Australia's aviation sector.
The safety manager scholarships were first awarded in 2023 and form part of CASA's commitment to ensuring up-and-coming safety managers are equipped to handle the complexities of their role, and have access to the tools and support necessary to further their careers.
CASA Chief Executive Officer and Director of Aviation Safety Pip Spence says aviation safety is a shared responsibility across the industry, and the role of safety managers is crucial to maintaining and improving Australia's strong safety record.
'Safety managers play an essential role in upholding and continuously improving Australia's strong safety record,' Ms Spence says.
'They lead and coordinate everything related to safety within their organisation, whether they're part of a larger team or the sole specialist in a smaller operation.
'These scholarships not only acknowledge their dedication but also equip them with valuable resources to further strengthen their skills and expertise.'
Ms Spence expressed her appreciation for the recipients' contributions to aviation safety in Australia.
'I'd like to congratulate Susan, Jake and Kate on earning this scholarship,' Ms Spence says. 'We're excited to see how it supports their growth and the impact it will have on their ongoing development in the aviation industry.
'Once again, the calibre of applicants this year was exceptionally high, making the selection of just 3 recipients a challenge'.
'This scholarship program ensures our recipients have the tools to support and advance their careers, while further strengthening safety standards within their organisations.'
Goldfields Air Services safety manager Kate Woolley says the scholarship will support her studies in management, human factors and organisational performance – capabilities she's keen to apply as the organisation continues to grow.
In the Pilbara region, Jake Polkinghorne, safety and compliance lead at Karratha Airport, will direct his scholarship towards an auditing and management course, aiming to strengthen the airport's safety oversight and ensure robust compliance across its operations.
Shepparton's Susan Carroll, safety manager at Secure Air Flight Training and Air Charter Today, is using her scholarship to undertake specialised training in aviation accidents, sharpen her analytical and investigative skills and further strengthen her organisation's safety culture.
More information about the safety manager scholarship program is available on the CASA website.