On the Grapevine

Choosing her career path while completing her VCE at Princes Hill Secondary College, she was stuck on aviation and believed it was the way to go, “nothing else was of interest,” recalled Greer.

Now aged 26, Greer is up in the air, literally! She has completed an associate degree in Aviation to become a professional pilot at RMIT Point Cook after a very intense period of learning.

Having this flight training qualification has provided her with a chance to start her career as a professional pilot or instructor while working towards flying for a commercial operation or airline.

Greer is currently working for Short Stop Jet Charters which provides a unique opportunity for young people to enter the industry and is she loving it? Oh yes!

Based at Essendon Airport, Short Stop Charter has a range of aircraft from a Falcon 900c, a private jet able to fly overseas, seating 14, a DC3 for trips to King Island and dinner trips and smaller aircraft such as a Cessna Citation S11 seating seven passengers in business class.

Like most businesses, the aviation industry has suffered enormously during COVID-19. “It’s a bit tricky at present, however there are many more inquiries coming in now for charters and we hope more regional jobs will follow.”

The old saying that you need to crawl before you can walk, goes with aviation like most professions and Greer started as a member of the ground crew. “You wait your time, you just need some luck and good timing,’’ she said.

Does she have a major goal for the future? “Well Search and Rescue would be great and the Royal Flying Doctor Service, very meaningful, but ex-military pilots have greater experience,’’ she said.

“I do love the aviation industry, there are so many different roles to play and I’m definitely getting an education that covers all aspects.”

Undoubtedly, the sky is the limit for this talented young woman!

Greer is the daughter of former Cobram man Peter Wood and his wife Marion who live in Melbourne where Peter teaches at Princes Hill Secondary College and granddaughter of popular Cobram identity Irene Wood and the late Trevor Wood.

MORGAN TOSSES THE COIN AT AUST OPEN!

Tennis-loving youngster Morgan Artavilla, nearly 8 years of age, had the honour of tossing the coin for the first match on ‘Women’s and Girls Day’ last Thursday on Rod Laver Arena at the Australian Open.

Morgan is coached twice a week under recognised head coach Leanne Melgaard at the West Brunswick Tennis Club and was selected from among 40 youngsters from different clubs around Melbourne to have a hit on the court and then flip the coin to begin the first of the day’s matches. Was she excited, most definitely!

To be at the Australian Open is exciting but to play a part in it, absolutely the greatest experience of her young life!

Morgan has been undergoing coaching now for two-three years and just loves the game. “I want to be like Ash Barty when I am older,” she said.

Morgan is the daughter of former Cobram resident Orlando Artavilla and his wife Toula and a granddaughter of Sarina and Bruno Artavilla (dec) formerly of Cobram.

PROBUS LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS

The Cobram/Barooga Probus Club, a mixed club for both men and women, seeks new members for its energetic and progressive club.

Having experienced difficulties in organising meetings and catching up with members over the past two years, acting president Heather du Vallon and secretary Kath Gregory believe the club’s motto “Tomorrrow’s vision for active retiree’s” outlines what the club represents and hope this will attract new members to join them.

Probus is an excellent avenue for people to discover new interests and form new friendships, particularly those who have recently retired yet struggle to keep busy and stimulated after years in the workforce.

It also offers a great resource for newcomers to the district to meet new people and network with other newcomers.

Meetings are held on the first Monday in each month with interesting guest speakers, a morning tea and often followed with lunch at a local venue.

Probus aims to advance intellectual and cultural interests and to be seen as a worthwhile organisation within the community. It is non-political, non-sectarian and is not a fundraising body. The aim is to treat all members equally, irrespective of race, religion or politics.

On Monday, February 7, the club will hold its first meeting for the year in the beautiful Barooga Botanical Gardens, commencing at 10am. Interested newcomers will be warmly welcomed and all attendees are asked to please bring along a chair and a drink. The group members will then move on to the Barooga Hotel where they can enjoy a delightful luncheon.

If you would like further information on Probus please contact acting president Heather du Vallon on 0407 641 163.