Blog
Week 2: Aviatrix Adventures
14th May 2024
With a gut full of caramel tarts from the Goondiwindi bakery, it was time for Georgie Arnold (Aviatrix Manager) & Jameson Harvey (Red Dirt Robotics founder) to trek out to prepare for week 2 of the tour. The encounter with the outback camping lifestyle was immediate and visceral, as sleeping near a creek led to a night of battling mosquitos, a rookie mistake but one that would not dampen their spirits. This week was just the beginning of a series of workshops designed to bring the wonders of STEM to students in remote locations, that saw them traveling from Meandarra to Morven, and then onto Charleville, spreading enthusiasm and sparking curiosity with each stop. In Meandarra, the energy of the students was infectious, their excitement a clear indicator of the hunger for knowledge in regions often overlooked by mainstream educational initiatives. Moving on to Morven, the adventure continued with a stay at the grooviest little gidgee camp, an experience made all the more memorable by its affordability (only $11!!!) and the mob of poddy calves that welcomed them. Each workshop, from preps to year 6, was an adventure in itself, filled with robotics, 3D printing, and even pilot practice exams, showcasing the diverse range of skills that STEM encompasses. However, it wasn't all work and no play for Georgie and Jameson. The long weekend offered them with a chance to explore the natural beauty of the Australian landscape. The highlight of their downtime was a visit to the Charlotte Plains Hot Springs, where they could unwind in the soothing 46-degree bore water bath. ... Well it was all fun and games until the wet weather brought mud and so much of it, which resulted in the poor troopy getting bogged for over 30 minutes. The two fresh adventurers quickly turned into a grubby, smelly, muddy mess! Despite this, the journey was filled with unforgettable experiences, memories and many mudtracks. Georgie and Jameson's story is a reminder of the impact that dedicated individuals can have on communities, bringing knowledge and excitement to learning, while also embracing the adventures that come their way.
Week 1: Aviatrix Adventures
7th May 2024
Aviatrix International, in collaboration with Red Dirt Robotics, has embarked on an exciting venture into the heart of the outback, bringing innovative STEM and aviation workshops to the eager minds of school students across Queensland. This partnership represents a significant commitment to education, aiming to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, pilots, and technologists through hands-on learning experiences that transcend traditional classroom boundaries, especially in the outback. Over the course of three months, more than 30 schools will benefit from this unique educational opportunity, starting with the communities of Cecil Plains and Goondiwindi. The tour commenced in Cecil plains, home of one of the largest cotton gins in the southern hemisphere, where over 20 students engaged in the drones and robotics workshop and listened to insight from Georgie Arnold (Aviatrix Manager) about how they can turn their dream of becoming a Pilot, into a reality. Georgie experienced her first night in a free campsite by the Cecil Plains Weir and celebrated a successful first day on tour with burnt to the crisp chicken kievs and a campfire before making their way to Goondiwindi for school number 2! The tour has indeed kicked off on a leisurely note, covering a distance of just 396 kilometers. This laid-back beginning has allowed them both to ease into the adventure, taking the time to immerse themselves in the local culture, landscapes, and communities they've encountered along the way...including way too many caramel tarts from the Goondiwindi bakeries. The anticipation builds as they ready themselves to tackle more challenging terrains, engage with a wider array of communities, and seek out experiences that will without a doubt be logged in the long term memory.
Something for everyone
1st May 2024
"Hayley the Helicopter's High Flying Handbook" is a pioneering children's aviation activity book that has been crafted over two years by Georgie Arnold, manager of Aviatrix International with a noble aim: to make the aviation world even more inclusive and accessible to young minds. This engaging and educational masterpiece is not just a book; it's a vibrant journey into the sky, tailored to inspire and captivate the imagination of children across the globe. The book features Hayley, a friendly and adventurous helicopter, who guides kids through the fascinating world of aviation with over twenty five, fun and interactive activities. Hayley is designed to spark curiosity and encourage children to dream big about the skies. Through mazes, colouring pages, and simple aviation equations, children not only learn about how things fly but also about the diverse roles within aviation, promoting a message of inclusivity and the idea that the sky's the limit for everyone, regardless of their background. The book aims to plant the seeds of interest in aviation careers early on. It's a testament to the power of education and storytelling in breaking down barriers and building a more inclusive future for the world of aviation. Hayley The Helicopter, illustrated by: Emily Ingham Art Activities Created by: Georgie Arnold For bulk orders, please contact [email protected] for a discount! Shop Here!
Aviatrix Adventures 2024
12th April 2024
In an inspiring leap towards making STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education more accessible, Aviatrix International's Manager, Georgie Arnold, is embarking on an extraordinary three-month journey across Queensland in collaboration with Red Dirt Robotics. This venture is not just a tour; it's a mission to bridge the educational divide, bringing cutting-edge technologies like robotics, 3D printing, and drones directly into the heart of schools and organisations that would otherwise be sidelined from such advanced learning opportunities. Through hands-on workshops and demonstrations, Arnold aims to ignite a passion for STEM subjects among young minds, showing them the limitless possibilities these fields and a career in aviation can offer. This remarkable initiative is made possible through the generous support of the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation, which has contributed $50,000 towards fuelling Red Dirt Robotics's and Aviatrix’ noble goal of democratising STEM education. This funding underscores the foundation's commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers, recognising the pivotal role that exposure to technology plays in shaping future careers. This tour is also not made possible without Aviatrix major tour sponsors, 4wd Central Townsville who have fully decked out a Dmax for Georgie to live in, as well as IOR which will generously supply fuel for the duration of the tour. As Georgie Arnold traverses the vast landscapes of Queensland, her journey represents more than just a tour; it's a beacon of hope and opportunity. Through her efforts, students in remote areas will get a rare chance to engage with technologies that are shaping the future. It's a testament to the belief that geography should not dictate one's access to education and opportunities in the increasingly tech-driven world. This venture not only highlights the importance of inclusivity in education but also sets a precedent for similar initiatives worldwide, aiming to make STEM education as accessible as possible for every child, regardless of their background or location. Photo Credit: Mr Foxx Media
Hey There 2023!
11th January 2023
Hey 2023....it's good to be here babe! First week back in the Aviatrix Hangar and just WOW...What a week it has been! For those who haven't already heard, on our second day back, we launched our very first merchandise of the year and my oh my, did you girlies just loveeeee it. Following the launch of our trendy new trucker caps we had our biggest sale day to date, AS WELL as our biggest order yet....(shoutout to @flyem_ your goods are on their way). We are feeling more inspired than ever to provide our community with so many wonderful opportunities, events and merchandise so, strap yourselves in, this year is going to be a huge and we can't wait to take you along for the ride. P.s. if you want to be the first to know when exciting things are happening then be sure to sign up to our mailing list!
OCTOBER OCEANS TO OUTBACK WRAP
31st October 2022
Wowsers what a month for the Aviatrix Australia team. 31 days later and it’s finally time to put the legs up, rest, reset and most importantly reflect on the difference we were able to make for not only the future of aviation but families in rural and remote communities who need the support from the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Throughout October 20 members of our community signed up to team Aviatrix Australia and set both a personal walk / run or ride distance and fundraising goal. Whilst there were quite literally some broken bones (due to personal reasons, not the challenge), bloody blisters, lots of sweat and potentially a few tears when those early morning alarms set off we are blown away with everyone's astonishing dedication and efforts towards this challenge. We are proud to announce we have skyrocketed past our fundraising goal which was originally set to $3,000. We would like to say the biggest thank you to all our sponsors who are the ones that made this possible, especially the incredible Explore Property Group who donated a very generous $1000 to team member and Aviatrix founder Michelle Arnold. Another shoutout to Aviatrix member Kady DelleBaite who was our fundraising runner up. Aviatrix Australia is looking forward to being involved in more community events and fundraisers in the future with the hopes to make a difference for aviation in our nation. For our team's personal results click here. To be a part of our community and be the first to hear when we are joining a new challenge sign up to our mailing list!