An Air Force unit safety advisor who tackled the problem of heat stress is the latest recipient of the Mayor of Townsville RAAF Award.
Unit safety advisor with the Combat Survival Training School (CSTS) Sergeant Panayotis Panayi won this year’s award from a strong field of five nominees.
The 19th annual award ceremony recognised outstanding contributions from individuals to the success of RAAF Base Townsville and its home units.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said it was an honour to recognise the work of serving RAAF members.
“RAAF Base Townsville has a longstanding connection to the Townsville community going back more than 80 years to the dark days of World War 2,” Councillor Hill said.
“It’s important to recognise our uniformed men and women and the vital role they continue to play in keeping us safe and secure.”
Sergeant Panayi has served with the Australian Air Force for 21 years, including five operational deployments to Papua New Guinea and the Middle East.
CSTS Commanding Officer Squadron Leader William Smith said it has proved an outstanding success with a significant reduction in heat-related injuries.
“The type of training we do carries significant risk as individuals are pushed to physiological and at times mental limits, hence the critical nature of the work Sergeant Panayi engaged in,” SQNLDR Smith said.
“Sergeant Panayi’s contributions outside his core role are also noteworthy, especially his volunteer work for Legacy.
“You are a highly valued member of our team and a very deserving recipient of this award.”
Sergeant Panayi said he was humbled and honoured to receive the award.
“Although this award is presented to an individual, it is the collective effort, commitment and invaluable assistance that I have received from my colleagues at the CSTS that has enabled me to stand here today,” Sergeant Panayi said.
“I would like also to acknowledge the other nominees as being nominated is in itself a recognition of the work you do in contributing to your respective units and the ADF as a whole.”
Senior ADF Officer RAAF Base Townsville WGCDR Naomi Gill said the base has been busy this year with exercises including High Sierra, Black Dagger, Mobility Guardian and Talisman Sabre.
“I am proud of all RAAF Townsville aviators and the capability they have delivered,” she said
Townsville Mayor RAAF Award nominees 2023:
Sergeant Robert Park – 65 Air Base Recovery Squadron
Corporal Heather Graham – 27 Squadron Movements
Sergeant Panayotis Panayi- Combat Survival Training School
Corporal Jeremy Anderson – 383 Contingency Response Squadron
Flight Lieutenant Thomas Rogers – 383 Squadron
