Outstanding achievements in aviation and workplace health and safety have been recognised in this year’s Air Force Safety Awards.

The awards, which spanned three categories and honoured group initiatives as well as individual contributions from formally appointed and non-appointed safety leaders, highlighted efforts that set new benchmarks in leadership, innovation and impact across Air Force units.

Deputy Director Professional Mastery with Human Performance and Safety, Headquarters Air Command, Wing Commander Kelly Ashby, was extremely impressed with the calibre of the 22 nominations received for the annual awards, which coincided with Air Force Safety Month in October.

“This is the first time I’ve been involved with the Air Force Safety Awards,” Wing Commander Ashby said.

“It’s been inspiring to see what our aviators are doing in their fields to improve safety practices in the workplace.”

In all, eight individuals and one group were recognised for their contributions and received certificates signed by the Chief of Air Force.

Category 1: Group Initiative
Appreciation award: Poseidon Fit Program, 11 Squadron – Improved operational readiness through proactive management of musculoskeletal injuries.

Category 2: Individual Contribution – Person not holding a formal safety appointment
Excellence award: Sergeant Daniel Coccaro, 37 Squadron – Outstanding performance in the role as temporary Unit Safety Adviser.

Excellence award: Adrian Herenda, 2 Operational Conversion Unit – Transformation of 81 Wing F-35A Lightning II Core and Mission Risk Profiling.

Appreciation award: Leading Aircraftwoman Zoe Melissa Lynch, 6 Squadron – Risk reduction through provision of readily available Advanced Targeting Forward-Looking Infrared trailers.

Category 3: Individual Contribution – Person holding a formal safety appointment 
Excellence award: Warrant Officer Brent Marshall, 10 Squadron – Outstanding performance in the role as Unit Safety Adviser.

Excellence award: Squadron Leader Andrea Tame, 34 Squadron – Aviation Safety position establishment and enhanced safety processes.

Appreciation award: Elizabeth Sherring-Robinson, 2 Squadron – Exceptional performance in the role as Unit Safety Manager.

Appreciation award: Flight Lieutenant Rebecca Parkinson, 30 Squadron – Outstanding performance during and post runway excursion incident.

Appreciation award: Flight Sergeant Peter Greentree, 1 Squadron – Championing risk reduction initiatives that address workforce safety concerns and issues.