The ‘Tim Bates Award for the Outstanding Skydiver of the Year’ – is an annual award recognising and rewarding an outstanding APF member for their passion, ability, input, excellence and contribution to the sport of Skydiving.
Nominations must be received by 5pm (AEST) on 28th February in the year of the Award.
This award celebrates the spirit and skills of skydiver Tim Bates, who unexpectedly died from the effects of Diabetes in 2005. His family wished the Award to embrace the attributes that Tim brought to the Skydiving Sport. Hence, nominees will be evaluated in the following areas:
- A passion for the sport, and for developing the sport
- Demonstrated ability to, at times, put the sport before individual ambition
- Willingness to help and nurture others in the sport, and to work towards inclusiveness
- Desire and ability to excel within their chosen area(s) of endeavour within the sport
- Ability, skill and desire to put more back into the sport
Evidence to support these attributes in the context of the individual’s contribution and commitment to the sport should be submitted with the nomination. Names of referees and their contact details may also be supplied.
The Selection Panel will include a member of the Bates family and APF members representative of the AVU and the previous year’s Tim Bates Award for the Outstanding Skydiver of the Year winner (subject to availability)
Presentation of the Award will be made at the APF Annual Conference dinner. The recipient of the Tim Bates Award for the Outstanding Skydiver of the Year receives a trophy and a $500 cash prize.
The winner of this award will follow in the footsteps of an esteemed group of Australian Skydivers who have equally demonstrated an amazing record of achievement and contribution to this sport - see below for past recipients.
Whilst there are no strict rules for the entry form and nomination process, you may find the general guidelines for APF Awards are a good starting point in relation to the evaluation criteria outlined above. All applications will be acknowledged.
PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS
2007 Michael Vaughan – For his leadership in Canopy Piloting and his medal winning performance at the World Canopy Piloting Championships, following his success as an FS competitor.
2008 Julia McConnel - For her passionate leadership as a canopy coach, Instructor/Tandem Master, CRW Competitor, CRW multiple record holder and for setting a remarkable example as an ambassador for women in skydiving.
2009 Isobel ‘Issy’ Dore – For her generous commitment as an administrator, competitor, coach and event organiser, demonstrating particular passions for nurturing newer skydivers and developing free flying.
2010 Steven 'Belgie' Geens – For his continual excellence in nurturing newer skydivers and teams, and initiating countless programs to develop the sport.
2011 Simon ‘Sas’ Di Sciascio - For outstanding achievements as an Australian Champion FS competitor and world record holder, as well as his passion for coaching skydivers of all levels to improve their skills.
2012 Francisca ‘Frankie’ Molnar – For her zealous pursuit of having sports parachuting formally recognised by Defence and her hard work for the Australian Defence Parachute Championships.
2013 Gregory Jack - For his outstanding leadership and enthusiasm, taking Aussie skydivers to new records and reinvigorating their participation in large formation skydiving.
2014 Craig 'Crash' Bennett – For his exceptional performance as a national and international CF competitor, as well his mentoring work and many APF volunteer roles.
2015 Not Awarded
2016 Archie Jamieson - For his passionate leadership and relentless enthusiasm in developing and promoting sport skydiving.
2017 Tracey Basman - For her persistent volunteer work as an organiser and motivator towards building large formation national records.
2018 Steve Fitchett - For his exceptional camera work and camera flying leadership, his imagery helps the APF to promote our sport and build an archive of achievements for this remarkable era of development.
2019 Kelly Brennan - For her outstanding contribution in media, journalism, mentoring, bigways, administration and governance to the Australian skydiving community over many years.
2020 Mason Corby - For his passionate leadership in developing safe progression for all skydivers at all levels to excel, and his organisation of world class events including train the trainer camps, particularly in his discipline of expertise - freeflying.