PDA

View Full Version : Dick Smith donates the proceeds of his Cessna CJ3 Citation to charity.


Torres
7th Dec 2016, 02:01
Dick Smith sold his Cessna Citation CJ3 in the USA, due mostly to the Australian requirement to install a FDR and ADS-B at a cost around $450,000.

The Dick and Pip Smith Foundation has decided to donate the proceeds of the sale to worthy charities. I believe the details will be revealed tomorrow but the list includes:

The donations include:
A donation to the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society ($125,000) For the completion of the restoration of the Southern Cross Replica aircraft.

Royal Flying Doctor Service Canberra ($100,000) To improve the safety of night operations at remote aerodromes.

Major donations to Institutions in Canberra and Sydney
• The Australian War Memorial ($50,000)
• National Museum of Australia ($50,000)
• National Library of Australia ($50,000)
• National Film and Sound Archive ($50,000)
• Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (Powerhouse Museum) ($50,000)

These donations will be given with the suggestion that the money be allocated towards protecting, and possibly expanding, aviation related material.

Arabunna Community South Australia ($25,000) To assist the Arabunna community to employ people in the aviation tourism industry. Perhaps constructing an airstrip near Marree Man so tourists can be taken to the site by the original landowners.

Australian Museum Trust ($25,000) Towards scientific expeditions and furthering the Museum’s work.

NSW Police Legacy ($20,000) Towards assisting Legacy’s air transport and other purposes.

Angel Flight ($50,000) To assist country people to access medical treatment through flight.

Careflight Westmead ($50,000) For helicopter rapid response and rescue services.

Southern Region Westpac SLSA helicopter ($50,000) For helicopter rapid response and rescue services.

Southcare Helicopter Fund ($20,000) For helicopter rapid response and rescue services to people in ACT and SE NSW.

AMREF Flying Doctors Africa ($25,000) Flying Doctor Service in Kenya who service the whole of Africa with emergency and Primary Health Care.

The Salvation Army ($20,000) Flying Padre and outback services to assist people in remote areas of Australia.

Uniting Church in Australia Frontier Services ($10,000) Flying Padre and outback services to assist people in remote areas of Australia.

State Library of NSW Foundation ($20,000) To assist with aviation related projects including the possible digitisation and rehousing of the Sir Hudson Fysh pictorial collection.

Clamback and Hennessy Aviation ($20,000) For exemplary services to the aviation training industry while being opposed by formidable forces.

Able Flight USA ($13,412 or $10,000 USD) To assist people with disabilities to learn to fly.

FunFlight ($5,000) To inspire underprivileged children through the exhilaration of flight.

QANTAS Founders Outback Museum Longreach ($5,000) To maintain the collection and inspire through aviation.

Temora Aviation Museum ($5,000) To maintain the collection and inspire through aviation.

Central Australian Aviation Museum Alice Springs ($5,000) To maintain the collection and inspire through aviation.

Goolwa Air Park ($5,000) and four other small aerodromes ($5,000 each - total $25,000) To improve safety and participation levels at smaller aerodromes.

Donations to Improve the Safety and Participation levels in Aviation
• Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association ($30,000)
• Recreational Aviation Australia ($30,000)
• The Royal Federation of Aero Clubs of Australia ($20,000)
• Australian Helicopter Industry Association ($20,000)
• Australian Aviation Hall of Fame ($10,000)
• Scouts Air Activity Centre Camden NSW ($10,000)
• Scouts Air Activity Centre Moorabbin Victoria ($10,000)
• Australian Business Aviation Association ($5,000)
• Australian Ballooning Federation ($10,000)
• Australian Women Pilots Association ($10,000)
• Hang Gliding Federation of Australia ($10,000)
• Sport Aircraft Association of Australia ($10,000)
• Australian Air League Air Activities Centre Camden NSW ($5,000)

Primary donation of $1 million to the Rotary Australia Benevolent Society Note: This amount was initially allocated to promoting and sponsoring an air race to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Vickers Vimy flight from London to Australia by Ross and Keith Smith in 1919. Dick’s idea was the race should be commemorated 100 years later – this time with electrically powered aircraft.

Unfortunately, after much toing and froing, Dick could not get any positive Government support for the project, so it was decided to reallocate the money. Following a proposal by Bob Cleland of the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie, this money was allocated to the Rotary Australia Benevolent Society. Bob is an old friend of Dick Smith from the Coal and Candle Rural Fire Brigade days.

This donation has the potential to generate another $1 million, making a total of $2 million - similar to a previous donation to the Lions on 23 April 2013. The aim will be for individual Rotary Clubs to use this funding to in effect double any money raised for important social causes to help those in need.

A major donation of $1 million to fund the Wilberforce Award. A number of years ago, Dick announced the Wilberforce Award, which is to go to a young person under the age of 30, who has the ability to show leadership in communicating an alternative to our population and consumption growth-obsessed economy.

This amount will be set up with the plan to hopefully present the award within the next 12 to 15 months.

Scouts Australia ($100,000) For the World Development Fund.

Wild Care Tasmania ($100,000) Continue funding for 2017 – replacement of Lake Tahune Hut.

Australian Indigenous Education Foundation ($120,000) To provide scholarships that enable Indigenous students to attend leading Australian schools and universities, as well as mentoring and career support.

Wayside Chapel ($100,000) Care and support for the valuable work performed by the Wayside Centre.

The Prince’s Charities Australia ($100,000) To further Prince Charles’ vision for a society to live in balance.

Prosperity Without Growth ($100,000) Sustainability think tank initial funding.

Exodus Foundation ($100,000) To continue with the important work under the direction of the incredible Bill Crews.

UTS Health Psychology Unit ($50,000) Continue funding the vision of the late Dr Tony Kidman.

Shepherd Centre for Deaf Children ($50,000) Specialising in teaching deaf children to speak.

Mahboba’s Promise ($50,000) This is a further year’s sponsorship to take the funding to October 2017, after the Dick and Pip Smith Foundation funded the original construction of Panjshir Valley Hope House in Afghanistan.

Muscular Dystrophy Association of NSW ($25,000) Working towards a world without Muscular Dystrophy.

Clean up Australia Environment Fund ($20,000) Clean up and conserve our environment.

Regg Dodd ($12,000) To further Reg’s work at Marree in communicating Aboriginal culture and knowledge to nonAboriginal people including school students.

Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Nature Conservation Trust ($10,000) To further programs for the removal of feral species from remote islands.
Ted Noffs Foundation ($10,000) To provide life management programs to equip youth at risk.

Total donation: $4,170,412 so far – Christmas is the time for giving!

Amazing charity from an amazing Aussie couple. I suspect this may be the largest private aviation focused gift in Australian history?

Special invitation:

Following the wake in Dick Smith’s hangar on 27 July 2016, it was agreed that there would be a gathering back in the hangar where the money from the Citation would be donated to important aviation and social causes.


You are invited to Dick Smith’s hangar at Bankstown Airport for the handover of cheques to these important causes.

Thursday 8 December 2016
12.00pm to 1.30pm

Hangar 631
23 Miles St
Bankstown Airport NSW 2200

Sandwiches and soft drinks provided.

RSVP for catering purposes to Sarah ([email protected])
or Marilyn ([email protected]) Ph: 02 9450 0600

Note: For those who cannot attend to pick up their cheque, Dick Smith’s office will post it to you. Please phone or email to advise your best mailing address.

chimbu warrior
7th Dec 2016, 03:08
This is an outstanding example of selflessness and generosity.

I admire Dick for many reasons, and thank him for the many people in our community that will benefit from his kindness.

Band a Lot
7th Dec 2016, 03:13
Only thing missing is Christmas drinks for the staff of CASA.

E&H
7th Dec 2016, 03:23
Hear, hear, the very best of Australian generosity. Sets an example for all of us.
Well done Dick and Pip.

Stanwell
7th Dec 2016, 03:39
That'll leave a few people speechless.
I dips me lid to you, Dick and Pip. :ok:

AmarokGTI
7th Dec 2016, 03:43
Dear Dick

I have been critical of you a number of times on this forum. After reading the details above, please let me unreservedly apologise for misjudging you.

Cheers.

flywatcher
7th Dec 2016, 03:52
Well done Dick and Pip, and incredible act of generosity to so many deserving causes. You are are true legends.

Fris B. Fairing
7th Dec 2016, 05:11
As an example of "putting your money where your mouth is" this is going to take some beating. Well done Dick. Merry Christmas to you and Pip.

cattletruck
7th Dec 2016, 09:35
What an inspiration.

Merry Christmas to you and your family Mr Smith.

Popgun
7th Dec 2016, 10:36
Bravo Dick! What a kind and fantastic gesture that will have such a positive effect on so many.

PG

gerry111
7th Dec 2016, 12:10
Ditto to all of the above comments.

An extraordinarily generous gesture to so many good causes.

Merry Christmas and thankyou, Dick and Pip.

Evanelpus
7th Dec 2016, 12:29
Wow, what a decent guy, well done to him.:cool:

rioncentu
8th Dec 2016, 02:04
Great work Dick. !! Absolutely wonderful.

TBM-Legend
8th Dec 2016, 02:13
Bravo Dick and Pip>>

You set a fine example for all..

Torres
8th Dec 2016, 06:06
I spoke to Dick this afternoon and he is absolutely elated and ecstatic after having given away over $4 million of his own money today!

He told me that of all the donations the one that touched him the most was his gift to Ray Clamback and Aminta Hennessy ($20,000) "For exemplary services to the aviation training industry while being opposed by formidable forces."

Dick said that against all odds they gave their life to aviation training, only to come to the end of their active career and for a number of reasons and grossly unnecessary hurdles, can not sell or dispose of their business.

Well done Dick. Indeed you are a real Australian!! I hope you see fit to post a comment in this thread.

Ex FSO GRIFFO
8th Dec 2016, 07:04
WELL DONE Dick, and I truly do congratulate you on this fine 'above and beyond' gesture.

MERRY CHRISTMAS to YOU and YOUR FAMILY.
Best of Cheers

Griffo.


(p.s. Thanks again too, for you know wot...)

:ok::D

Clinton McKenzie
8th Dec 2016, 08:33
Extraordinarily generous, Dick and Pip. I know you won't call on it, but many people owe you a substantial debt of gratitude and more. I hope your actions encourage others who could but aren't contributing to good causes to reconsider and follow your example.

max1
8th Dec 2016, 09:07
Thank you Dick and Pip. Beautiful. Merry Christmas

MACH082
8th Dec 2016, 14:40
I disagree with many things you say, but I dip my lid to you. You are a great Australian and obviously care deeply about aviation.

Thank you and keep fighting the good fight.

Runaway Gun
8th Dec 2016, 20:12
What an incredibly generous act. Thankyou!

Dick Smith
9th Dec 2016, 01:32
Thanks everyone for the kind words. Personally I am having more pleasure giving money away than making it.

By the way, there are still four more small aerodromes to donate $5,000 each to. I think I will give the next $5,000 to Lilydale. Can anyone else come up with some suggestions for small aerodromes that could do with some extra dough to help them to improve participation and safety?

Stationair8
9th Dec 2016, 05:26
Dick, sad to see you sell your Citation-hopefully the Caravan and helicopter will keep you flying for many years to come.

What about funding some flying scholarships to foster the next generation of private pilot's, as well as scholarships helping private pilot's gain NVFR or IFR ratings?

cooperplace
9th Dec 2016, 05:33
Hi Dick, have you considered a small donation to: Recreational Flying (http://www.recreationalflying.com/) I find that website a great resource that helps my flying safe. Merry Christmas!

Band a Lot
9th Dec 2016, 07:01
Coomalie Creek Richard is a great guy and would put 100% to good use on his WWII strip.

coljones
9th Dec 2016, 08:04
Dick Smith sold his Cessna Citation CJ3 in the USA, due mostly to the Australian requirement to install a FDR and ADS-B at a cost around $450,000.

The Dick and Pip Smith Foundation has decided to donate the proceeds of the sale to worthy charities. I believe the details will be revealed tomorrow but the list includes:



Amazing charity from an amazing Aussie couple. I suspect this may be the largest private aviation focused gift in Australian history?
A donation to the upkeep of The Oaks Airstrip (YOAS) at The Oaks would go down well. The Oaks has history dating back to WW2 and is the only readily accessible airstrip outside controlled airspace in the Sydney Basin.

Ascend Charlie
9th Dec 2016, 10:24
Brilliant stuff Dick. The industry owes you a heck of a lot. Users of the Copter routes, R409 and V1 are probably unaware of your input to get these up.

jas24zzk
9th Dec 2016, 11:28
Dunno about Lilydale Dick...they seem to do well enough. 5k to them won't do stuff all. The government grants that have dropped into the region between lilydale and coldstream in recent years..................


How about some scholarships??
4x5k or 2 x 10k. ??


The Australian Air League could find you some seriously worthy candidates.
:)

Cheers
Jas

mostlytossas
9th Dec 2016, 12:19
Goolwa in sa I believe gets no government or council help. In fact charges them to operate. Im sure they could do with some help.Likewise Clare valley and Jamestown do an incredible job with volunteers.

Car RAMROD
9th Dec 2016, 19:41
Shout some poor struggling GA mobs or struggling private IFR guys their ADSB? After all, you'll stop them scud running (because apparently that's what they'll do) and you never know you might save their life!

Pinky the pilot
10th Dec 2016, 06:47
How about some scholarships??

Now that suggestion has IMHO, serious merit to it.:ok:

As with all the previous posters; Well done Dick!:ok:


BTW Dick; Still no Dick Smith peanut butter in my local Foodland supermarket!!:* (Called you once and spoke to you about that.)

The name is Porter
10th Dec 2016, 10:36
You da man Dick :D thankyou

gimpgimp
10th Dec 2016, 23:25
Hi Dick,
Well done what a wonderful thing to do!
There must be an endless list of worthy aviation related causes and I wish I had known about this so I could bring your attention to Wheelies with Wings.
Disabled flying scholarships.
Trouble is ....I am having no luck is finding an address of your Foundation so please forgive the nudge here.
Where do we send ideas or requests?
Thanks!

tail wheel
11th Dec 2016, 01:39
gimpgimp. Whilst it is very easy to find Dick's contact details, you can send messages to him by PPRuNe Private Message (PM).

Cessna Jockey
11th Dec 2016, 12:09
Dick I mowed a giant H into my backyard but can't seem to get any choppers landing on it.

A donation might help me get a helicopter for my new up and coming airfield

PPRuNeUser0201
11th Dec 2016, 21:08
G'day Dick,
Wow, congratulations on your philanthropy! it's a shame others in your position cant see what a huge difference they too can make. I know you cop a lot from those in the industry at times, but I hope these people can now see that your genuine motivation is for a better Australia and aviation industry.

I'd like to nominate Adaminaby ALA, operated by Snowy River Aviators as a donation recipient, if I may. It's a small club at the base of the Snowy Mountains in NSW. This airfield came about due to the lack of interest from the owners at Cooma-Snowy Mountains to have GA/RAA traffic. It has grown in membership and is a wonderful location for those interested in fishing, horse racing (in November) and of course is a a great place to go flying - especially on a still winters morning. Unfortunately, like most flying clubs, it is limited by funding and unable to build a new clubhouse or facilities so any donation would be gratefully received.

Once again, well done and thanks.

John Eacott
11th Dec 2016, 21:47
Dick, your generosity is outstanding: thank you.

The Honourable Company of Air Pilots Australia has a trust fund for scholarships which would benefit the industry if you were inclined to make a donation?

OZBUSDRIVER
11th Dec 2016, 22:10
Well done, Dick!

Scholarships into an industry? How about GA LAME apprentices to cover their ridiculous costs for just sitting their qualifying exams.

All the best for Christmas and New Year for you and your family...and bloody well done!


....this doesnt mean you have a free pass and airspace issues:E

thunderbird five
11th Dec 2016, 22:36
I am a member of an organisation you have supported Dick, big thank you.

Torres
11th Dec 2016, 23:11
OZBUSDRIVER.

I don't want to distract from recognition of Dick's wonderful generosity, but as one that has given the last 16 years to vocational training of young Australians, I suggest you should motivate public outrage against CASA's license fees charged to newly graduated apprentices, rather than seeking Dick's generosity to further encourage CASA to impose and increase their already outrageous license fees?

If other industry bodies are willing to subsidise their fees and charges to apprentices (e.g. the electrical industry), I don't see why CASA should not also charge reasonable fees for new LAME license exams.

Back to the thread topic.......... :ok:

Dick Smith
11th Dec 2016, 23:12
Gimpgimp, Wheelies with Wings was one of the first charities I considered. My office made contact with the founder of the program who advised that they were not operating at the moment due to insurance issues.

MagnumPI
11th Dec 2016, 23:17
Dick, I sent you an email via your profile - hopefully that works - if not please let me know how else I can get in touch with you.

gimpgimp
13th Dec 2016, 00:19
Hi Dick,
That's great you considered Wheelies with Wings! We ARE operating and have a course planned in April 2017. I have sent you a PM.
Not sure who your office spoke to that would have said that!
Thanks again.

gimpgimp
13th Dec 2016, 00:31
gimpgimp. Whilst it is very easy to find Dick's contact details, you can send messages to him by PPRuNe Private Message (PM).
Thanks very much. I did think to send Dick a pm then saw Dick's response. so of course I have now sent a PM.
By the way everyone if you are interested in supporting one or more Wheelies with Wings Scholarships in the new year please consider this great program.

Ultralights
13th Dec 2016, 04:18
Little wings.. or a few scholarships.

LittleWings
15th Dec 2016, 20:11
Dick your generosity is beyond question and your actions help so many people. Thank you.
If you are still looking for areas to help then the charity Little Wings is a worthy cause. "Little Wings" is a NFP and flys sick children and their families from rural areas to Sydney and Newcastle for cancer treatment. Little Wings - Not for profit ongoing flight service children's charity (http://www.littlewings.org.au/)
PS. You can always volunteer as a pilot with Little Wings too!

Dick Smith
20th Dec 2016, 02:37
Thanks everyone for the extra ideas.

We have given $10,000 to the Australian Air Force Cadets and following are further donations:

Australian Warbirds Association ($5,000)
Gliding Federation of Australia ($5,000)
Old Station Flying Club ($5,000)
Watts Bridge Memorial Airfield ($5,000)
Lilydale Airport ($5,000)
Central Coast Aero Club Warnervale ($5,000)

tail wheel
20th Dec 2016, 02:43
Dick, you are a great Aussie and a man amongst millions.

Some would say that is probably a good thing!! :} :} :}

All the best to you, Pip and the Terry Hills Team for Christmas and 2017.

flopzone
20th Dec 2016, 06:41
Dick Smith and Kerry Stokes, Id take either one as the first President of Australia.

LittleWings
6th Jan 2017, 21:04
Dick thank you and Pip for your kind donation. We received a pleasant surprise in the mail this week and looking at the date on the cheque we can see you were busy signing donation cheques up until Christmas. These funds are going straight into our flights for transporting sick children in January and February.
Thank you again for your unconditional generosity.

Desert Flower
7th Jan 2017, 11:39
Dick Smith and Kerry Stokes, Id take either one as the first President of Australia.
Umm - nope!

DF.