Announcing the Winners of Australia’s 2026 Aviation Safety Scholarships
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) of Australia proudly announced the three recipients of its prestigious 2026 safety manager scholarship program on February 17, 2026. Western Australians Kate Woolley and Jake Polkinghorne, along with Susan Carroll from Victoria, have each been awarded $5,000 scholarships. These scholarships are aimed to support their professional development and strengthen safety leadership across Australia’s aviation sector.
Initiated in 2023, the safety manager scholarships form a crucial part of CASA’s commitment to ensuring up-and-coming safety managers are well-equipped to handle the complexities of their roles. They also ensure these managers have access to the tools and support necessary to advance their careers. This program underscores the critical importance of safety management in maintaining Australia’s commendable aviation safety record.
“Safety managers play an essential role in upholding and continuously improving Australia’s strong safety record,” said Pip Spence, CASA Chief Executive Officer and Director of Aviation Safety. “I’d like to congratulate Susan, Jake and Kate on earning this scholarship. We’re excited to see how it supports their growth and the impact it will have on their ongoing development in the aviation industry.”
Kate Woolley, safety manager at Goldfields Air Services, plans to use her scholarship to support studies in management, human factors, and organizational performance. Susan Carroll of Shepparton, safety manager at Secure Air Flight Training and Air Charter Today, intends to undertake specialized training in aviation accidents to hone her analytical and investigative skills. Jake Polkinghorne will also utilize the scholarship to further enhance his safety management capabilities.
Spence noted that the caliber of applicants was exceptionally high, making the selection of just three recipients a challenge. The scholarship program ensures recipients have the tools to support and advance their careers while further strengthening safety standards within their organizations.
Source: Asian Aviation