The Southpac team

Southpac has a dynamic and dedicated team of consultants and auditors, as well as our expanding group of administrative and support staff.

Our CEO - Richard Bucknell

A baby-boomer from Brisbane Richard began flying in 1964 and has had a life-long passion for all things aviation. While never having flown commercial jets or managing large maintenance workshops he has been involved in the implementation and maintenance of aviation management systems at home and abroad. His thirst for travel and his adventurous nature have combined to give him a wide range of experience in a variety of roles. A devoted family man and keen observer of life he has developed the ability to relate to people from all walks of life with an ease and clarity that has earned him a reputation as an accomplished speaker and trainer.

Richard became fascinated with quality management systems from the time that the ISO 9000 quality standards were first released. They seemed to clarify and expound principles that he has always valued. After speaking with him for even a short while or after hearing him speak on the subject you soon realize that he passionately believes in the principles for quality and safety management that underpin the new civil and military requirements for effective management systems. The most common feedback from his course participants is that his passion for the subject is outstanding.

After returning from overseas Richard founded, and remains CEO of Southpac Aerospace, a company devoted to facilitation and training in management systems. He also established Southpac Certifications, the only aviation specific ISO certification body in the country. He has worked personally in this field with pro-active management from international and domestic airlines, the ADF, CASA and a wide range of operators and suppliers within the aerospace industry.

You may have heard the old adage if you can you do, if you cant you teach . This is not true of Richard. When he gets up before a class or before an audience he can speak as one who does as well as teaches. His past and current experience, working with companies and their systems, gives him a unique capacity to relate to real-life problems his listeners may be experiencing. His facilitative approach then helps them to not only find the answers but also see how to apply what they learn practically in their own working environment.

Business Manager - Andy Shone   

Andy is the newest member of the Southpac team and has taken on the responsibility for Southpacs business management. Originally from Manchester UK, Andy's background is in Business Finance and Management Consultancy. Having worked for Barclays Bank and RBS Group in varying roles and management he has gained experience at the coal face working with many businesses within aviation and beyond.

"Looking at systems as an active and integrated part of a business is the only way to achieve success. Organization's that use their systems simply to meet regulatory requirements or as a detached process will not reap the massive potential benefits. I have seen first hand well managed and poorly managed businesses, a well designed system will bring huge efficiency benefits that will ultimately be reflected in the bottom-line. More importantly quality and safety standards will be maintained at a much higher level."