Dubbo City Regional Airport was named large regional airport of the year at the Australian Airports Association's national airport Industry awards this week.
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The awards held on the Gold Coast showcased the best examples of excellence in airports.
The Dubbo airport won the award for its airside infrastructure developments, including runway strengthening, lighting upgrade, aeromedical facility, general aviation expansion and stakeholder engagement.
Recent troubles with Regional Express Airlines were forgotten for an evening by mayor Ben Shields who said the award was a significant achievement for the council and proof of its commitment to its passengers.
"This is a significant achievement for the council and staff who work at the Dubbo City Regional Airport," he said.
"It just goes to show that Dubbo is leading the way when it comes to building a better future for regional passenger transport."
Dubbo City Regional Airport manager Jacki Parish said the award was an acknowledgement of how well the airport has kept people connected.
"We want to be the best we can be, and it is not about regional versus national we have a role to keep our community connected," she said.
"This award is an acknowledgement on what has been achieved through our collaboration with stakeholders.
"We are functional and useable, and our goal has always been to provide a safe, effective, affordable and functional airport to our community.
"This is about airlines, airports and destinations working together to make sure our communities are connected whether it is for business, leisure or medical services."
Airport Advisory Committee chairman Greg Mohr said the award works in the council's favour.
"This goes to show we can work with airlines, business and government agencies," he said.
"To be the best in Australia is a fabulous achievement and a credit to our airport staff."
Australian Airports Association chief executive officer Caroline Wilkie said the win was well deserved.
"Dubbo City Regional Airport is an economic and social hub for the region and a most deserving winner of the large regional airport of the year," she said.
"We commend Dubbo for its continued focus on investing to meet the needs of the region, now and in the future.
"Dubbo is a fantastic example of an airport forging ever-stronger links with its local area as an important part of the fabric of its communities."
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Craig Thomson
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
