Bridport’s purple patch
WHEN he moved with family to Bridport in 2010 the removalist told Peter Barron he’d be ready to move them back to Brisbane after a couple of Tasmanian winters. He’s still waiting.
“I just love the place,” Mr Barron said. “I can’t think of a better lifestyle for the family and opportunity for business.”
The owner of Flinders Island Aviation, who also operates Unique Charters helicopter tours, is well qualified to make comparisons.
Born and bred in Brisbane, he’s seen a lot of Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia through his continuing work as a business consultant trainer with a European carmaker.
“Being at the end of the line it can sometimes take a while to make the connections when you’re flying home, but that’s a small price to pay.
“There are some really beautiful spots ... islands, beaches, mountains just the countryside, but the attitude of the locals smiling and always willing to share their favourites makes it a great community to live in ... or visit for that matter.
“Bridport itself, is well described as the village by the sea. It’s got that village feel. The kids can ride their bikes down the street to get an ice cream. You might not allow them to do that in a city.”
Mr Barron’s connection with North East Tasmania was a love interest even before he fell in love with the place. He met and married a Brisbane-based flight attendant, who’d grown up in the area. Rachel appreciated the subtropics and didn’t intend returning south. That changed after the birth of daughter No 3. She found the perfect house perched above the ocean with an outlook to the Furneaux Islands, which were to become Mr Barron’s regular workplace.
Starting as a base level pilot was a salary tailspin for the corporate type, but he was committed to the path.
His succession to owner of the company was delayed, during which pouring drinks at the Barnbougle Dunes Golf Links and a return to country hopping for his car dealers’ training program didn’t dent his determination.
He took control of Flinders Island Aviation Services, its two light planes and two landing strips at Lady Barron (the name just a happy coincidence) at the southern end of Flinders Island and Bridport in 2015.
“We don’t just fly A to B. I always concentrate on the customer. If we spot a whale on the way I want to give the passengers a good look at it.”
Mr Barron has started bespoke tours of his realm with Unique Charters helicopter excursions.
“We can drop you and your loved one or small group on a beach or island for lunch or take in the wineries.”
Peter Barron is an unabashed enthusiast for his region. That removalist should give up the wait.