Kestrel Aviation has celebrated 40 years in business.

Ray Cronin founded the company in 1985 as a specialist helicopter training school.

“When I started out in the helicopter industry, there were no private pilots, there was a select few companies,” Mr Cronin said

“The first words that come to mind are: necessity is the mother of invention.”

Many years and awards later, Kestrel Aviation is now a leading name in its sector as one of the country’s largest private fleets delivering a diverse range of services.

In a well-attended event held at the Kestrel base in Mangalore on May 1, members of the business reflected on its growth over the decades.

Head of pilot operations and chief pilot Richard Butterworth, who has been with the company for eight-and-a-half years, said the day was all about honouring the work of the Cronins.

“We’re celebrating 40 years of Kestrel Aviation, when Ray and Eleanor Cronin first started the organisation, which in this day and age is an amazing feat,” Mr Butterworth said.

“The company’s grown from a real training-orientated business into a real community-based emergency services business, primarily.

“My history with the company is less than a quarter, so this is really about what Ray and Eleanor have achieved, their journey, over 40 years.”

State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland addressed the crowd, commending the important role Kestrel had within the local community and beyond.

“It is a huge honour to be here with you today, to celebrate such an extraordinary milestone,” Ms Cleeland said.

“Forty years of Kestrel Aviation, what a remarkable achievement for a local, family-owned business that has not only served our community, but has led the way on a national and global scale in aerial firefighting and emergency response.

“What Kestrel Aviation has built over four decades goes far beyond aircraft and operations.

“It has built a legacy, a service, innovation and community spirit.”

Around 170 people gathered to celebrate the achievement.

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Wednesday, 26th March 2025

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