Ron Diamond

Chief Executive Officer

Ron Diamond has over 40 years experience in leading the establishment and operation of a number of successful Australian companies in both the construction and leisure industries.

Commencing employment as an apprentice plumber, Ron soon went on to establish his own plumbing and construction business. He continued to successfully build this business until an opportunity presented itself and led him to establish Diamond Transport, a company that continues to operate. Ron is an active Director of this business.

From 1999 to 2008, a passion for sport and physical activity saw Ron join forces with Malcolm Freake to establish Bluearth Foundation, a registered not-for-profit charity that develops children through physical activity. During his time as a Director, the company went from being a Victorian based operation to a successful national organisation.

In 2003 he took on the role of Director and CEO of Heli-Serv Pty Ltd and has an active role in the development and management of the company.

Malcolm Freake OAM

Director

Malcolm Freake enjoyed a successful professional career in insurance and computer software. Through his twenties, he was employed by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and trained at IBM in one of their first training programs. The ICA acted as a statistical bureau for the insurance industry and used statistics to set tariff rates. With access to one of the largest computer systems in Australia, Mr Freake and his team also acted as a computer bureau for the insurance industry.

At 24 years of age, Mr Freake was responsible for a major research exercise in conjunction with the insurance industry and the Royal College of Surgeons. Information was collated on every road accident in Victoria involving injury, with forms being completed by the driver, passengers, witnesses, tow-truck drivers, police, ambulance, doctors and hospitals. This research resulted in the passing of the first law making the use of seatbelts compulsory. The research findings were used by other states and by other countries around the world.

In 1991, Mr Freake founded a computer software company, HUON Corporation, which provided software to the insurance industry. HUON operated in ten countries around the world and employed 650 staff. In 2001, HUON was sold, enabling him to focus on establishing the Bluearth Foundation and later down the track in 2003 establishing Heli-Serv Pty Ltd.

Mr Freake was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2006 for service to the community as a promoter of healthy life programs and as a contributor to business and sporting organisations.

Mike Dunn

General Manager / Chief Pilot

Mike has spent well over a decade as a professional pilot, and from 2007 has been the driving force behind Heli-Serv as General Manager and Chief Pilot.

Passionate about pilot training, he holds a Grade 1 rating as a CASA Authorised Testing Officer (ATO) and is qualified in Night VFR low level to advanced emergency training.

Prior to joining Heli-Serv, he was the Chief Flying Instructor of The Helicopter Group. He has also has extensive experience within the media industry, as pilot for various TV news crews, including Channel 7, 10 and the ABC, as well as with Channel 9 for Current Affairs.

Heli-Serv employs pilots with a broad experience base. Our pilots are highly skilled in a range of demanding operations including tactical fire-fighting, forestry and agricultural management, photography, film and television, aerial crane and power line inspection and patrol, slinging, geological survey and sampling.

Our pilots are continually updating their skills and training is the cornerstone to our success. Our great mix of talent includes Grade 2 Instructors, Grade 1 Agricultural and Sling Rating and even experience in aircraft engineering. Not to mention, they are also knowledgeable of all aspects of Melbourne and the districts that we visit, and provide commentary during all tours.