Honoured: Avenel's Raymond Cronin was awarded an Order of Australia Medal on the 2024 Australia Day honours list. Photo: Josh Cronin
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When it comes to the world of aviation, there is very little Avenel’s Raymond Cronin has not achieved.
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However, even after dedicating his life to keeping people safe in the air, it was still a shock to be told he was receiving an Order of Australia Medal.
“It’s a real privilege and it’s very humbling to know you’ve been nominated,” Mr Cronin said.
“And it’s a huge privilege to be given the award.
“When I read the email, there was a bit of disbelief. It was a real shock.”
Mr Cronin said he thanked the person who nominated him, but had no clue who that was.
“It was really difficult to keep it a secret,” he said.
“It was actually quite a relief on Australia Day to be able to talk about it.”
And as it turns out, once January 26 arrived, he didn’t need to tell anyone.
“It got out on social media,” he said.
“All I really had to do was thank all the people who called.”
Skilled: Raymond Cronin in the pilot seat of a Kestral.
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Mr Cronin’s passion for flying started years before he got behind the controls of an aircraft.
“I loved everything about aviation when I was at school,” he said.
“I loved aeroplanes, I loved helicopters. I was fascinated with them.
“So I made sure I followed a career that allowed me to do what I loved.”
That passion took Mr Cronin all over the country and the world.
He started off in fixed-wing aircraft and did a lot of charter work.
“I’d do things like take vets out to rural properties in Queensland,” he said.
“I’d fly them in and sit under a tree all day, waiting to take them back.”
While sitting there, he would look with envy at the helicopter pilots.
“They were having so much fun,” he said.
“One day, I thought to myself, ‘I didn’t learn to fly to sit under a tree’.
“So I decided to learn to fly helicopters. That sector is even more fulfilling than flying planes.
“You get to go to lots of remote places other people often can’t get to.
“It’s much more diverse. You’re doing everything from transporting people or supplies to lifting jobs and mustering.
“Now we have fire fighting helicopters too.
“It’s an interesting career and one I’d recommend to everyone.”
Mr Cronin estimated he could have played a part in training more than 1000 pilots during his career.
“It’s actually too many to count,” he said.
“I’d really like to say thank you to all the people I’ve been associated with in the industry, all the talent I’ve been able to work with and all the crews over the years.
“My focus has always been on safety and making flying as safe as possible. That’s my passion.
“I want to make the industry a better and safer place to work.”
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