Brooke Tudehope – Soaring High in Agriculture

In the heart of Burdekin, where agriculture has long been the lifeblood of the community, one remarkable woman is taking to the skies to redefine the role of women in the agriculture industry. Meet Brooke Tudehope, the co-owner of Dwyer Aviation Services, a helicopter business that has been an integral part of the region's farming landscape since 1980.

Dwyer Aviation Services, which has been under the ownership of Brooke’s husband, Don, since 1997, offers a range of services, including aerial agriculture (spraying, spreading, and seeding), firefighting, powerline work, sling work, and more. However, the pair’s passion lies in the world of aerial agriculture.

Originally from Proserpine, Brooke relocated to the Burdekin in 2001, and she has been an integral part of the business since then, handling all administrative tasks, including bookings, accounts, compliance, and marketing. In 2002, she even began her journey to obtain a Commercial Helicopter License but had to put the flying component on hold when she had three children in quick succession.

Fast forward to 2023, with their three children now in their mid to late teens and more independent, Brooke has embraced additional roles within the company, becoming a qualified Agricultural Drone Pilot and taking on responsibilities as part of the Helicopter Ground Crew. She now drives the helicopter loading truck, mixes and loads chemicals, refuels helicopters and flies agricultural drones.

“It has been a really big change, going from the office to the field, but I have enjoyed the more physical work, the outdoors, seeing all different farms, learning so many new things and finally meeting the farmers and graziers and their families in person after years of talking to them on the phone,” Brooke reflected.

“I have even gotten used to the 3am alarm clock!”

Recognising the potential of drones in the aviation industry, particularly in aerial agriculture, the Tudehopes decided to invest in this technology in 2020. Last month, they welcomed their third large drone for aerial spraying, spreading, and seeding. The goal is to expand the use of drones to complement their existing helicopter ag business – while Dwyer Aviation Services will still have jobs only a helicopter can do, they are using the ag drones more and more in the local area.

Their latest drone is larger, smarter, and more productive, with a 50L capacity for spraying and an 80L capacity for spreading and seeding. The technology has also seen significant advancements, including increased obstacle avoidance range, airframe and battery improvements, and treatment mapping technology. Notably, Don and Brooke were the first in the country to be licensed on this new model of drone in late September.

“With Don’s decades of experience in agricultural flying in manned aircraft and in the application of agricultural chemicals, plus his local knowledge, together with what I’ve learned on the technology side of things, we make a pretty effective agricultural drone team,” Brooke said.

If you're interested in exploring the possibilities of aerial spraying, seeding, or spreading on your farm or property with the help of a drone, Don and Brooke Tudehope eagerly await your inquiry. While they predominantly contract to farmers and graziers in the Burdekin and Proserpine areas, they are available to go beyond where required. Brooke's journey is not only about defying industry stereotypes but also about embracing innovation and technology to elevate the agriculture industry in Burdekin and beyond.

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