Statement Regarding Matters with Sydney Helicopters
As a professional in the IT and network management field, I take great pride in my work, the relationships I build, and the reputation I uphold. It is essential to me that my clients receive the highest level of service, integrity, and transparency in all aspects of our engagements. Recently, I have found it necessary to address some issues surrounding my former professional relationship with Sydney Helicopters.
Background of the Relationship
For nearly a decade, my business, SKIZCorp, served as the IT manager and network administrator for Sydney Helicopters, , overseeing the security of their internal network, as well as developing the software which powered numerous websites for the organization across two web generations. During this time, I worked diligently to ensure that their systems were secure and operating at optimal capacity.
The False Hacking Accusation
In 2012, while overseeing the security of their internal network, I identified an external threat—a series of hacking attempts from Chinese IP addresses. As a responsible IT manager, I immediately flagged this security breach to ensure the company was aware of the issue and could take the necessary steps to protect their systems. Unfortunately, in response, I was wrongly accused of hacking their internal network, despite the fact that I had been the one to identify and report the external intrusion.
This accusation was entirely baseless and was a serious misrepresentation of my actions and intentions. I have no involvement in any illegal activity, and my only goal was to protect the security of their systems. The accusation was harmful to my professional reputation, but I remain committed to clearing my name and ensuring that the truth is understood.
Unpaid Debt and Contract Termination
In addition to the false allegations, my business has been significantly impacted by the improper termination of our contract. My business, SKIZCorp, was paid on a per-service basis, and I provided a range of services, including the migration of their website to a next-generation platform to make it mobile-friendly and compatible with widescreen devices. This work also involved extensive updates to their internal systems and the vectorization of web assets, among other tasks.
Despite the scope and quality of the work provided, Sydney Helicopters has failed to pay an outstanding debt of $38,000 for services rendered. After terminating the contract without proper notice, they have refused to settle this debt, leaving us in a difficult financial situation.
Reputational Damage and Business Loss
One of the most disheartening aspects of this situation has been the reputational damage caused by the way the contract was handled. As part of our work with Sydney Helicopters, my business deliberately chose not to include a backlink to our website in the footer of their site (under the “Credits” section) in order to allow Sydney Helicopters to appear more prestigious. This was done to enhance their branding while showcasing our own work as a high-profile project for potential clients.
However, when the contract was terminated without notice, we were left advertising the work of a competitor. This discrepancy was only discovered when a prospective client questioned why the company name at the bottom of their site didn’t match ours, causing us to lose credibility and trust. This loss of business and reputational damage has had a direct impact on my ability to secure new clients.
Company and Legal Representation Name Changes
Shortly after the false hacking accusation and the provision of evidence (log files) on the server I had built for them, Sydney Helicopters changed its company name to Sydney Helicopters Group. Additionally, their legal representation switched from Tresscox Law Firm to HWL Ebsworth. While I cannot be certain, these sudden changes raise serious red flags that they may be attempting to distance themselves from the situation, avoid responsibility, and possibly evade accountability for their actions related to the false accusations and the unresolved debt.
Commitment to Professionalism and Transparency
I want to be clear: throughout my career, I have always strived to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and service. The false accusations and the challenges created by this situation have been difficult, but I remain fully committed to my work and the satisfaction of my clients.
I have always taken pride in offering honest and transparent services, and I continue to operate my business with these values at the core. I welcome any clients or prospects who may have questions about my work, my reputation, or the circumstances surrounding these events to reach out directly. I believe in open communication, and I am happy to provide any clarifications or evidence to support my position.
In Conclusion
The issues I have outlined above do not define who I am as a professional, and I will continue to focus on providing high-quality IT and network services. I hope this statement helps clarify the situation and provides context for anyone seeking to understand my side of the story. I am confident that the truth will prevail, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve my clients with the same dedication and professionalism I have always demonstrated.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss any of these matters further, please feel free to contact me directly.
Christopher B. Sarich
Principal, SKIZCorp
