We're not sure what happened to Billy, the hawksbill sea turtle who was washed ashore on the beach of Lord Howe Island. The 50 cm long turtle was very sick and skinny when found.

Rescued: The 50 centimetre long turtle will receive care in Coffs Harbour over the next three months. Photo: courtesy of Port News - http://www.portnews.com.au/story/4390065/turtle-rescued-from-lord-howe/

Eastern Air Services with the help from National Parks and Wildlife Service, flew Billy from Lord Howe Island to Coffs Harbour via Port Macquarie. Billy will receive treatment and care over the next three months by Duan March and her team at Dolphin Marine Magic, who are known for their rehabilitation of sea animals including turtles and seals.

Duan March from Dolphin Marine Magic, Lyndy Rees from National Parks, Captain Cameron Stuart and Christian Corse from Eastern Air services with the sick turtle arriving in Coffs Harbour. Photo: courtesy of The Coffs Coast Advocate - http://www.coffscoastadvocate.com.au/news/private-flight-for-sick-turtle/3129307/

The hawksbill sea turtle is a critically endangered species and we hope that Billy can survive. Thank you all for making this rescue possible.

To report injured or sick turtles contact Dolphin Marine Magic on 6659 1900 or National Parks on 6652 0900.

For private charter flights to Lord Howe Island, please contact Eastern Air Services >

Eastern Air Services had their Beechcraft B200 King Air aircraft named after local aviation legend Ron Walesby. The Eastern Air Services plane left Port Macquarie airport on December 9 for its first charter flight to Lord Howe Island. And in a nod to the history of local aviation it is fitting that the Beechcraft B200 King Air turbo prop bears the name Capt Ron Walesby.

Captain Ron Walesby - a former pilot, novelist and aviation administrator who was the Captain of the first aircraft to land at the Port Macquarie airport, caring the dignitaries to its official opening in November 1955.

Capt Ron Walesby is the doyen of aviation across the South East Asia and Pacific regions.

He flew protective convoy escort duties and carried out maritime surveillance during World War II but was ordered not to leave Australian shores following the bombing of Pearl Harbour.

After the war he joined East West Airlines as a Pilot.

He eventually moved into management roles and became their most senior pilot so was he was the obvious choice to Captain the first aircraft to land at Port Macquarie in November 1955.

Eventually he took the role of general manager South East Asia for Fokker, spending 16 years with the Dutch-owned airline manufacturer until his retirement.

Ron now 98 married Lois 73 years ago – November 15, 1944 – and the link to Port Macquarie is strong as he, his wife, their two daughters and son, along with six grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren now all reside in Port Macquarie. Only one grandson and one great grandson live elsewhere.

Ron Walesby wrote a book - Like Snow in the Desert. The book launched on 19 April 2012 includes Mr Walesby’s five wartime years with the Royal Australian Airforce, two decades predominantly as East-West Airlines manager of flight operations and the next 16 years as general manager of the south west Pacific area for Dutch Royal Netherlands Aircraft Factories, Fokker.

The book was about 10 years in the making and is available for $40 by calling Ron Walesby on 6582 0199.

Establishing links from Port Macquarie to Lord Howe Island

Eastern Air Services' CEO Christian Corse and director Shane Moore are proud to launch their flight charter services from Port Macquarie to Lord Howe Island today. Port Macquarie has very strong, historic links to Lord Howe Island. Many residents (on the island) either went to school or have homes in Port Macquarie. Christian and Shane have met with the residents and business community over at Lord Howe Island and are very confident in fulfilling their needs. They see their decision to commence passenger flight and freight operations as re-establishing those important ties with the island. Over time, Eastern Air Services (EAS) will announce a Regular Public Transport for a passenger service. A working group had been established to work with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) towards gaining a licence for passenger services.

Photo from Port Macquarie News - featuring EAS celebrating the launch of our Flight Charter Services from Port Macquarie to Lord Howe Island.

Eastern Air Services CEO Christian Corse, Ron Walesby, director Shane Moore and head of maintenance Sharon Bates celebrating the first charter by the company to Lord Howe Island on 9th December 2016.

Why the Beechcraft B200 King Air turbo prop for EAS flight charter services?