SPECIAL PRESENTATION TO MEMBER FOR RIVERINA KAY HULL, MP (August 2005)

The Rex hangar in Wagga Wagga was the place to be on the evening of Wednesday 3 August. At a special presentation we unveiled our new ‘Kay Hull Plane' to honour Member for the Riverina, Mrs. Kay Hull – our first time we have bestowed such an honour!

The evening was a great success and is one to be remembered for years to come. Mrs Hull was beaming and the pop of champagne could hardly be heard amongst the chatter and laughs of some 200-250 guests.

Amid great anticipation, Rex revealed a caricature of Kay Hull, MP attached to the aircraft's fuselage near the main cabin door of one of its Saab 340 aircraft (VH-TRX) in recognition of Mrs Hull's continuous dedication and contribution to the airline.

In making the presentation, Rex Managing Director, Geoff Breust praised Mrs Hull's commitment to Rex since the collapse of the Ansett Group which also meant the collapse of Kendell and Hazelton Airlines and publicly thanked her for her tireless efforts in supporting the acquisition and commencement of Rex. “Without Kay's unwavering commitment to Rex, in a number of very important ways, we would not be where we are today ” Mr Breust said.

During the initial days following the collapse of the Ansett Group, Mrs Hull was totally committed to getting the airline flying again. Mrs Hull worked hard putting pressure on the Administrators to commence operations and set up fundamental meetings which were the turning point in Government's consideration of the future of Kendell and Hazelton.

Mrs Hull met and lobbied Government Ministers and Departments as well as the Administrators to get our airline into the air – not just during Administration but also during the acquisition and establishment of Rex by Australiawide Airlines Limited. Even after the commencement of Rex, Mrs Hull continued to support the airline in a number of significant issues. Mrs Hull has also been one of our most frequent travellers and proponents urging others to support the airline and its staff.

 

Mrs Hull's singularly targeted goal of getting Rex up and running and saving the jobs of the Kendell and Hazelton staff was recognised in return by those staff who took the opportunity to publicly thank her for her support and commitment. The decision by Rex staff, management and Board, to give Mrs Hull a special honour by recognising her contribution in a symbol on one of our aircraft, is in great appreciation and to show our immense gratitude.

In formal presentations, the Mayor of Wagga Wagga, Councillor Kerry Pascoe, Deputy Chairman of Rex, the Hon. John Sharp , and Rex Special Ambassador, Eilish Kendell, joined Mr Breust in thanking Mrs Hull for her dedication and support.