Congratulations to Janine Hayes OAM

JH on side of plane (at altitude) before jump
Credit David Brown

By Trevor Collins
Chair of the Board, APF
Prepared with the assistance of Kelly Brennan

Janine Hayes OAM is the latest Australian skydiver to receive national recognition for her contributions to our sport! Janine has been an icon of our sport for many years and is well known around the country, as well as internationally.

Janine or J9, as she is known, has been a skilled national representative in Classic Accuracy, Large Formation and 4-Way Formation Skydiving. She is an Instructor A, display jumper, coach and mentor, who has been a part of sport parachuting for 44 years.

Over her APF journey J9 has taken on many volunteer roles, from the Board to National Coaching Director, Chair of the Awards Validation Unit, and Director of National Development. She recently returned to the APF Board, stepping up as a Director at a difficult time during her late husband Ken’s illness.

Skydiving - mid flight
Credit Steve Fitch

Ours is a small sport, and when one of our high achievers is recognised in such a manner, we all have every right to feel proud.

Janine's first jump was at Labertouche on September 19, 1981, and since then she has gone from strength to strength. She still has the energy and drive to provide many more years of service to the sport. I know I join with many others in wishing her well.

Previous APF recipients of the OAM are: Claude Gillard, Graeme Windsor, Johannes Chitty, David Smith, Jules McConnel and Laurie Sams.

Janine said “It has been a huge week. I am so humbled, proud and totally floored to have received an OAM in the King's Birthday Honours list for services to skydiving.

Janine and Ken posed in doorway of plane
Credit Latrobe Valley Express

Words cannot express what this means. Hillsy was such a massive supporter so along with my family and friends, this is a shared honour with all of you who have been part of my passion and journey for nearly 44 years.

I would like to emphasise that I am humbled to receive this award amongst so many other Australians who are making a difference in people's lives.

I particularly want to say that if you are or have been a carer in any capacity then I salute you and want to acknowledge your selfless contribution to making the lives of others better”.