THE SILENT REVIEW SPRING EDITION 2023

SPRING EDITION 2023
Not silent
anymore!
THE UNION WITH A FLIGHT PATH
THE FAAA MEMBERS MAGAZINE
© 2023

INSIDE THIS SPRING ISSUE
4
MESSAGE
FROM THE
SECRETARY
10
SPEAKING OF SEXY…
CHECK OUT THAT
THYROID
6
SUNFLOWER
LANYARDS!
12
QCCT WORKING
TRIPS
8
22 YEARS LATER:
FLYING IN THE
DAYS AND WEEKS
AFTER 9/11
18
“I’M NOT
IGNORING
YOU!”
The Silent Review
has been produced for the
entertainment and information of
the FAAA membership. All opinions
and points of view are those of the
contributors and authors alike and
remain their own property. © No
reproduction of any material found
within The Silent Review is
permitted without permission
from the Association.
24
JUMPSEAT
CHATS
32
BUISINESS
DIRECTORY
These and loads more
articles, information and
special offers ahead.
FLIGHT ATTENDANTS’ ASSOCIATION
OF AUSTRALIA INTERNATIONAL DIVISION
20 Ewan Street Mascot NSW 2020 | Email: info@faaa.com.au
20
DON’T MESS WITH
CREW REST AND
DON’T READ THE
COMMENTS
30
TAX AGENTS
Telephone: +61 2 8337 1111 | Fax +61 2 8337 1122 Toll free 1800 267 952 | www.faaa.com.au
2 SPRING EDITION 2023

EDITORS’
NOTE
We hope you enjoy Spring 2023! Can’t believe it’s a
roster ‘til Christmas. There have been some huge
changes at Qantas since our last edition, which
hopefully bring new opportunities and fresh starts.
Enjoy staying up to date with news from your FAAAmily. We are Australia’s
only cabin crew exclusive union and we live and breathe crew conditions
and enhancing and celebrating crew life. Associate members also receive this
emag and we are glad they are connected.
This edition, we bring you an Emergency Procedures colleague interview and
Sunflower Lanyard news, plus articles on hearing and thyroid health. There’s
also an update on the extraordinary work of QCCT and articles from Julian on
the hot topic of crew rest and a crew’s eye view on 9/11.
This emag helps charity NextSense receives almost $10000 a year from
partnerships and advertising. Get to know our sponsors and enjoy reaping the
benefits of discounts and offers galore! Christmas shopping done right.
Remember to subscribe to Unionshopper emails too. As an FAAA member you
automatically have a free account and can save big on shopping, hospitality,
travel and more! Get involved at https://www.unionshopper.com.au/
Enjoy your last 2023 emag! All contributions (articles/upline pics/cover images/
tips for slips) gladly accepted any time at sarahdewilt@hotmail.com
In unity,
Lou Nesci and Sarah de Wilt
SPRING EDITION 2023 3

MESSAGE FROM THE
SECRETARY
By Teri O’Toole – Federal Secretary
Qantas has been exposed as acting illegally in the sacking of the ground staff. Long haul Qantas
cabin crew know how Qantas behaved during COVID; the termination application, whilst not
illegal, was underhanded and has damaged the relationship with its frontline employees.
For those new to cabin crew, the QAL crew have lost significantly with EBA11 and the complete
removal of the Part One conditions.
Crew voted NO and the company made an application to terminate the EBA, which would
have meant the Modern Award conditions would have kicked in. This was a no win scenario
and crew have been struggling with the reality of what Qantas have done.
It is hard at the moment to be positive about your company when management have made
so many poor decisions. These decisions have damaged the brand and put you under stress
in your workplace.
The service failures, broken aircraft, delays, engineering issues are just the top of the list - and
as the face of the airline you feel the brunt of customer views and anger.
And then we have 28 day rosters that are causing grief. The lack of ability to plan any life,
medical, or social activities with AV spans as well are hurting cabin crew.
We have told the company and taken hundreds of emails from you all to the CEO and the
Head of International Operations. Your stories; your pain; your frustration; your anger.
We are very serious about this matter and we will do what it takes to get your stories told.
We will be making a video of your stories, we will be speaking to the media, and if we have
to do protests where we stand in street and hold signs we will.
Please do not lose hope. Some fights take time but the FAAA will not be giving up on this.
In unity,
Teri
4 SPRING EDITION 2023

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from Guideway or Mercer as a result of members using their financial advice services. You are responsible for any fees if you decide to obtain SPRING comprehensive EDITION advice. 2023 5

SUNFLOWER LANYARDS!
By Sarah de Wilt
Councillor – International QCCA
It’s official!!
In an exciting new step, the company is educating crew about Sunflower
Lanyards. The lanyards represent a ‘hidden disability’. These may range from
anxiety to diabetes, chronic pain, autism, dementia, epilepsy, cancer, learning
disabilities, sensory requirements and digestive issues.
In an exciting new step, the company is educating
crew about Sunflower Lanyards. The lanyards represent
a ‘hidden disability’. These may range from anxiety
to diabetes, chronic pain, autism, dementia, epilepsy,
cancer, learning disabilities, sensory requirements
and digestive issues.
Carers may be travelling in the same party
and will possibly wear a while lanyard.
The code DPMA appears on the
paperwork and iPads too.
‘In 2022, it is estimated Qantas carried
approximately 2 million passengers who
identify as having a Non-Visible Disability,
representing approximately 1% of our
passengers carried.
The Qantas Group has adopted a policy
across all passenger contact points for all
group airlines, worldwide – ‘Ask, Listen,
Act’. – CSO.
Airport staff are also being educated.
It’s actually amazing to think that for some,
walking down the aerobridge is an act of
courage and will (and that’s just the crew).
I’ve seen panic attacks on board.
And these are only the visible reactions.
Any little thing we can do to help smooth
the journey will be welcomed.
Travelling alone can be lonely and overwhelming and
sometimes crew are the only friendly interactions our
passengers have for a whole day.
The lanyard indicates that the wearer might need more time
or understanding.
The program began in the UK and is
becoming a worldwide movement. It’s so
important to realise that the care and dignity
we give to people with visible disabilities,
we also need to afford to others.
Even passengers who are visibly busting
with excitement may have hidden
disabilities and need a little extra care or
time, a lav blocked off or an aisle seat.
The same goes for our beautiful crew.
I’ve been shocked to find out what hidden
physical and mental challenges my
colleagues have, when they disclose them
to me.
Thanks for looking out for the lanyards and
customer codes. It’s a whole new world
and we’re lucky to be living in this era
where our passengers have an extra way to
communicate with us.
P.S. thanks to my dear friend for suggesting
this article a little while ago. I know this
topic is close to your heart and I love you
so much.
6 SPRING EDITION 2023

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SPRING EDITION 2023 7

22 YEARS LATER:
FLYING IN THE DAYS AND
WEEKS AFTER 9/11
By Julian Groneberg
Sara Low, Barbara Aresteugi, Jeffrey Collman, Betty Ong, Amy Sweeney,
Kathleen Nicosia, Dianne Snyder, Jean D Rodger, Karen Martin. These are the
names of the brave cabin crew members who lost their lives on September 11,
on American Airlines flight 11 when the Boeing 767 was hijacked and flown
into the World Trade Centre’s north tower in New York. It was a day that forever
changed aviation and the course of history more broadly.
But of course, these are just some of the crew member
names on one of the four flights that terrorists brought
down on that fateful day, each name as important as the
ones not mentioned here,
each crewmember and
each passenger a unique
precious life forever missed
by their loved ones. For
every crew member flying
at the time, even those
outside the USA, twenty
two years later, it’s hard to
overstate the impact it had
on going to work.
As crew-members, with
every tragedy where some
our own our lost, we are
reminded not only of the
high risk setting of working
in the air, but also how
aviation doesn’t operate in
a vacuum. That we are somehow always connected and
subject to global events. After all, how could we not be?
By the nature of our very jobs we open up the world.
But after that day, where those brave flight attendants were
violently attacked, and still managed to make contact to
the American Airlines reservations centre on the ground to
relay vital information, there was a sense that something
massive had changed. 22 years on, for the majority of
crew members who weren’t flying at the time, it’s hard to
comprehend what it must have been like being part of the
flying family back then. I’ve been asking colleagues myself.
Each person with a vivid
memory of the ripple effect
that the terrorist attacks
caused.
Most of us remember
where we were on that
day, but for those in our
flying family who were
flying, especially those
on the ground in the USA,
the levels of anxiety and
fear were no doubt off the
charts. Was there another
attack planned? Was that
passenger who headed
straight for the lavatories
after takeoff with a
backpack up to something?
Spare a thought for those who were up-line in New York.
Some things seen can never be forgotten. Imagine being
mid air and getting word of the tragedy upon landing into
LAX. Even those with any trip on their roster that passed
through the USA would have been anxiety inducing.
As crew we know all too well that its not always easy to
leave home behind before a trip, imagine that feeling, in
the days and weeks post 9/11.
8 SPRING EDITION 2023

While we don’t know exactly what happened to the
crew that day, and how the hijackers gained control of
the plane, we know from Betty Ong’s recorded call to
the ground, crew members were stabbed a passenger
throat was slit in front of other’s eyes, and there was an
environment of immense confusion. Before 9/11 there was
not such a security conscious environment - there had
been hijackings before but in those minutes where it all
happened so quickly, the intent to highjack wouldn’t have
been the crew’s first though as they managed to force their
way into the flight deck.
It’s only now, partly as a legacy of those crew members
who sacrificed their lives, we understand how potentially
vulnerable we are in the sky, and that what we once
never thought could imagined possible, came to pass.
Fortunately, security at every stage of the flight process
has been enhanced since that day, but at the same time
in some ways, commercial aviation lost its innocence that
day, the day so many others were also lost.
OUR TEAM CLOSING THE LOOPHOLES
Thanks to Teri, Angela and Sarah for representing the
FAAA in Launceston, supporting the ACTU in lobbying
for Same Job Same Pay and Closing the Loopholes.
SPRING EDITION 2023 9

SPEAKING OF SEXY…
CHECK OUT THAT THYROID
By Sarah de Wilt
Councillor – International QCCA
I am a nerd. Now we’ve got that out of the way…
I’m one of the most curious nerds that I know so I get a little research-y from
time to time. I’ve been hearing a little about the thyroid from crew and it spiked
my interest, so in my spare time (ha) I decided to learn and let you all know too.
Not medical advice, which will become clear next paragraph.
The thyroid is the Beyoncé of glands. It works hard, you
miss it when it’s gone and it makes living look effortless.
https://www.balancehormoneoklahoma.com/blog/riskfactors-and-early-warning-signs-of-a-thyroid-disorder
I strongly believe gland is a creepy word, but not nearly as
bad as ‘wet market’. I digress.
The symptoms of a dysfunctional thyroid can be all
the same as a normal day in the office for us crew
(whyyyyyyyy), so it can be hard to tell when it’s playing
nice or acting sassy. An underactive thyroid can result in
Hashimoto’s. Overactive; Grave’s.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can
include:
• Weight loss
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Irregular menstrual periods
So that got me wondering… what is a thyroid? Why do we
need it? How can we crew spot when it’s unserviceable?
Can it be removed? Can you transplant it? What happens
when it gets cancer? Do men have one? Can men find it?
Can I touch it? (Ok getting less wholesome now…) Let me
answer some of these for us…
‘Sofia Vergara, best known for her role as Gloria Delgado-
Pritchett on Modern Family, was just 28 years old, and
a single mom, when she was
diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
She underwent a thyroidectomy
followed by radioactive iodine
therapy. Now, she remains cancer
free but takes daily thyroid
• Heat sensitivity
medication and has her thyroid
• Vision problems
levels regularly checked.’
https://thancfoundation.org/
• Trouble sleeping
• Enlarged thyroid gland or goiter
The thyroid is a double lobed,
Gigi Hadid was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s.
butterfly shaped gland located
• Muscle weakness or tremors
in the neck of vertebrates (!!!!) responsible for sending
Symptoms of hypothyroidism can include:
messages through hormones (chemicals) to the body. (I
• Weight gain
haven’t used the word lobe in an article for a while so
• Fatigue
there you go. Ask your nearest QAL to spill the beans/
• Forgetfulness
tea about what happened in the lower lobe of the Jumbo.
• Heavy and frequent menstrual periods
You’re welcome.)
• Dry hair
In a sexy tango, you hormones rage like a teenager with
• Hoarse voice
stable wifi. ‘The hypothalamus senses low circulating levels
of thyroid hormone (Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine
• Intolerance to cold
10 SPRING EDITION 2023

(T4)) and responds by releasing thyrotropin-releasing
hormone (TRH). The TRH stimulates the anterior pituitary
to produce thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). The TSH,
in turn, stimulates the thyroid to produce thyroid hormone
until levels in the blood return to normal (Wikipedia).’
When Wikipedia uses stimulates twice, it’s a good day.
The process seems like triple handling to me, but that’s
why your blood test needs to spy on TSH, T3 and T4.
There is a woeful lack of research on crew and thyroid
health. My friend in America first brought the correlation
to my attention. One study out of Poland is here
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/
PMC7923151/ but there is so much more work to be done.
Also the element iodine is related to the thyroid as it helps
to grow a healthy one; naturally occurring iodine helps
keep the thyroid happy. Radiation doses (such as we crew
and those in the health sector receive) impact iodine too!
So what can crew do? Luckily the activity of the thyroid
can be monitored with a simple blood test with a GP
referral. (And if you go to some airport medical centres,
they bulk bill us! *slow wink*.)
Ask them to measure TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone)
and T3 and T4 and see if your levels remain in the normal
parameters. (These parameters are marked on the results
so you can check for yourself. I have attached an
example and redacted anything spicy.)
And try to do this regularly. If your thyroid is under or
over active, you can take reasonably priced tablets
to help boost/calm. Often the body rebalances itself
within weeks.
You can also see a specialist called an endocrinologist
aka ‘hormone expert’ to make sure you’re fighting fit.
Also tell your friends and family. Hashimoto’s is partly a
genetic condition and females in your family are likely
to be way more impacted. My mum and aunt both got
tested after I did and they needed extra appointments
to get their levels right.
The benefits of having a happy thyroid are clear, and we
crew need all the help we can get to help our hormones
balance our bodies so we can balance our lives.
Fly high and send a little appreciation to your new
favourite gland today.
(PS special thanks to one of our longstanding members,
who helped give me the idea for this investigation. I love
your curiosity and care and I hope we have helped crew
and more widely their families.)
SPRING EDITION 2023 11

SOUTH AFRICA AND THE
PHILIPPINES WORKING TRIPS
by David Horsfall
Our teams have been very busy over the past few months planning and carrying
out their working trips. Some great work has been done in both South Africa
and the Philippines since our last update.
QCCT South Africa
In October, a team of 11 cabin crew and 4 pilots
spend their rest day in Johannesburg at Nkosis’ Haven.
http://nkosishaven.org/ It was a big job however the
team were able to complete a lot of work including indoor
painting and repairs. They were able to fix two of the
houses’ ceilings in which was a big task in itself as well as
applied caulking to all the cracks. One of the houses has
a large crack outside on one wall that was able to be filled
with cement and the team also painted external walls on
two huts, painted a third hut’s walls with remaining paint
and also some windowsills. The team would have loved
more time and helpers however ran out of both time and
paint! Carrying out work like this is never easy, especially
when you have jet lag!
12 SPRING EDITION 2023

If you’d like to know more about how you can help in South Africa, please contact Project Manager CSS
Salvo Trovato by email at projectssouthafrica@qcct.org.au
QCCT The Philippines
The Bernie Smith Educational Program (BSEP)
Our 5th batch of students graduated from The Bernie
Smith Educational Program (BSEP) yesterday. Their
classes had a few obstacles however they showed
great resilience and powered through over an extended
period. We’re so proud of the students’ achievements.
Thank you to all of our donors who sponsor these
classes in honour of our greatly missed friend Bernie
Smith. Through donations as small as $5 a week,
we are able to employ a home-schooling teacher and
part time social worker to assist the children.
A big thank you to our local team
who have taken the children on
their educational journey. If you’d
like to get on board and support
our next class, please visit –
https://berniesmithep.wixsite.com/
berniesmithep
In August, a team of 10 cabin crew and 3 pilots spent the
morning working in very hot temperatures painting the
inside of the venue along with our talented handymen
repairing some ceiling panels. Although we had only a few
hours there, It was a short but successful visit. As always,
a huge thank you to the crew who gave up some of their
slip time to get the work completed. Your generosity never
goes unnoticed by those in need.
If you’d like to know more about how you can help in
The Philippines, please contact Project Manager
FA David Horsfall & BFA Pen Esquivel by email at
projectsphilippines@qcct.org.au
August working trip
As part of our BSEP project, we
have taken an interim venue for
project work to be carried out.
SPRING EDITION 2023 13

Safety Week BBQ October 17th and 19th
This week we were invited again to host fund raising BBQs at Qantas Headquarters, this year over two days.
It was great to see so many of our members join us in The Backyard over the two days raising over $3000 for our
project work in Australia and overseas.
14 SPRING EDITION 2023

SPRING EDITION 2023 15

QCCT is currently looking for a more volunteers.
We’re currently have roles within our team in areas
such as –
• Administrative tasks such as minute taking, record
keeping and communications.
• Communication campaigns to members
• Social media coordinators
• Develop, manage and execute fundraising campaigns
including virtual appeals
• Identify and manage grant opportunity submissions
• Develop strategies to engage with stakeholders,
including donors, volunteers, members.
If you’re interested in volunteering your time in
any of these roles, please send an email to
chairperson@qcct.org.au
16 SPRING EDITION 2023

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SPRING EDITION 2023 17

“I’M NOT IGNORING YOU!”
By Damian O’Connor – Audiologist
When the world fades away: is it your hearing?
We are so connected to the world with our senses. When hearing fades it is like
someone had put pillows against your ears. Speech is muffled and indistinct. Mumbly.
Your concentration needs to increase
to comprehend others’ words. You
mentally work hard to fill in the gaps.
Your partner gets frustrated having to
repeat themselves or feeling ignored
because you ask them “what did you
say” repeatedly. Incidental conversations
across a room are long gone. “It’s not
me... it’s you that mumble” is a common
complaint of the hearing impaired.
Cafes and restaurants are much harder
to hear in. You avoid loud parties since
you can only sit and stare for so long without understanding
your friends before they start to worry about you. Unaware
your hearing is the issue.
Loss of high frequencies is the most common hearing loss.
Sounds like S and F and SH and TH become inaudible.
They are the fricatives. The friction sounds of air blowing
narrowly between your teeth and lips.
Sounds like the microwave and fridge beeps are often
missed. Even the toll pings are not heard.
How did it get to this point?
What caused the ears to get worse?
Ears wear out like the rest of us does. The fragile inner ear
hair cells start to break down. Those awesome nights at the
clubs where you were so close to the speaker your whole
body was shaking are being replayed as your ears now
ring constantly and the damage is done.
You were advised to wear hearing protection at times at
work but you thought, “I’m tough. I can handle the noise.
Its embarrassing to be so over cautious. The others aren’t
wearing any hearing protection so why should I ?”.
Yet hearing loss is the unseen disability.
Something that can cause people to
withdraw from social situations and
become more isolated. To even go out
less. And tinnitus or ringing in the ears
can emerge for some people making
your quiet bedroom sound like you
are still in an aircraft with the constant
noise inside your head.
When can flight attendants get
hearing damage?
Aircraft cabins aren’t as noisy as cabins many years ago.
Your biggest risk of damage is a passenger or crew yelling
close to your ear. In cabin announcements can be very
loud so avoiding being to close to a speaker during an
announcement is important. Quickly block your ears with
your fingers when you flush the toilet. Walking across
the tarmac without hearing protection when other loud
aircraft have engines running can affect you ears long-term.
And the rear of the plane during take-off will be louder
than the front.
How to minimise the inevitable hearing decline?
Noise damage to the ears is determined by how LOUD the
exposure is and how LONG you are in that excess noise.
A short very loud burst of noise can be as damaging as a
moderately loud but long duration of noise.
Getting out of those environments or wearing hearing
protection would be beneficial. There are discreet filtered
earplugs that will make the world a bit quieter but retain
clarity which can be very effective if you are in constant
moderate noise. In loud noise then more occluding
earplugs or muffs of course are required.
18 SPRING EDITION 2023

Can hearing loss be treated? Is there compensation for
hearing damage through work?
A hearing test by an Audiologist will compare your hearing
to the normal range. If there is a hearing loss then a claim
for the costs of provision of hearing aids can be made
to your employer. The FAAA can refer you to LHD lawyers
who will pursue a claim for hearing aids on your behalf.
Hearing devices can boost those sounds your ears have
trouble hearing to make them audible. So your hearing
distance increases. Clarity improves. Your mental strain
to understand becomes much less. Group conversations
are much easier. Relationships improve through less
frustrating conversations. Confidence increases.
If you have been exposed to loud noise over the years,
or if your ears are declining due to expected aging effects,
get them tested. This will make you understand whether
your perception of the world you are hearing is correct or
not. You may not even be aware how much your hearing
is impacting your life. Before you know it with expert
help your world may just become a little brighter.
SPRING EDITION 2023 19

DON’T MESS WITH CREW
REST AND DON’T READ
THE COMMENTS
By Julian Groneberg
You might have read the stories in the press in recent weeks. Blaring such
emotive headlines like “Qantas Gives War Veteran The Boot So Young Employee
Can Travel Business Class” and so forth. I have to admit, it piqued my interest.
Click. Ah yes, of course, the reality was much different
that the article would suggest. Turns out a pilot on
duty, who was deadheading between Melbourne and
Adelaide before operating further sectors that day, travelled
business class. AS PER THEIR ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT.
This meant on this day, a seat needed to be made available
in the fully booked cabin, and the person involuntarily
downgraded was the war veteran, whose wife was still
seated in business class and apparently commented that
the pilot wouldn’t “even look at her.”
have some form of crew rest. For pilots this means
when deadheading, a seat at all time in business class.
Unfortunately the pilot on this occasion copped the ire of
a situation that likely could have been handled better, but
the larger point is about crew rest and how important it is
that work agreements and their provisions are followed.
Ultimately, it’s bizarre, to me that a policy being followed
– aka business (or business seat) as usual, became national
news, but hey, at the moment, the sheer word ‘Qantas'
in a headline is guaranteed clicks in and of itself. Also on
the allegation that he ‘wouldn’t look at her’ – maybe, just
maybe, he was mentally preparing himself for a long day
ahead. Maybe he didn’t want to hear how much you are
disappointed in the airline. Maybe he needed to rest.
After all, you do want your pilot to be rested don’t you?
Maybe just maybe, for pilots and cabin crew alike, there
shouldn’t be an expectation that when paxing in uniform,
you should chat to the passenger next to you.
The seat in question
First of all. Don’t read the comments, so what did I do?
Yep. Read the comments. “Disgusting – what a way to treat
a war hero, and how shameful that the young fella didn’t
give up his seat!,” said one, and “Spirit of Entitlement”
said another.
On that entitlement note, exactly dear commentator.
Crew are entitled in their enterprise agreements to
Crew Rest Outside of the EBA
I know I am likely preaching to the choir here, but it got
me thinking about crew rest, and how often passengers
and the airline don’t seem to understand its importance.
Bottom line, don’t mess with it – it’s a warning to
company, but also it goes for crew too. Even if on a
relatively shorter duty, for example the A330 Cairns day
trip out Sydney, it’s important that a business class seat
7K is blocked. Often, ground staff in regional ports aren’t
aware. Crew rest where curtains are hanging like a wobbly
tooth on a thread of gum, should be a no-go item and
properly secured before take off.
I just had passengers on my flight the other day asking
which routes we operate as Brisbane based crew.
20 SPRING EDITION 2023

I mentioned that we currently only have two destinations
out of Brisbane, to which they mentioned that, “oh yes
because the LA is operated by the Auckland crew who
sleep in that tent thing!” – how embarrassing.
No matter how much crew might like a third destination,
agreeing to a crew rest facility like this, outside of the EBA,
only will shoot ourselves in the foot. So with that don’t
accept second best, or crew rest outside our EBA. Don’t
give it up, as it seemed the public expectation was that
the pilot should have done. Doing so sets a precedent that
crew rest is not important, and in a safety critical role,
where fatigue is only increasing, we know that adequate
crew rest is more essential than ever. So rest well,
take your breaks, take your bunk, seat, ‘high comfort’
or otherwise, and finally don’t read the comments.
‘That tent thing’ – crew rest not fit for purpose
SPRING EDITION 2023 21

wagecover.
24 Hour Accident & Sickness Income
We’re there for you.ust in case
Product Overview | Member Benefits | Application
24
Underwritten by certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s
Sporting Injuries
Motor Cycling
op up
The benefit provides a top-up to Workers Compensation weekly
benefits that brings an injured worker back up to 85% of income to a
maximum of $00 based on basic pay plus equalisation and includes
all other allowances and payments that make up a Flight Attendants
gross income, averaged over the 52 week period prior to any claim while
s/he is off work due to a work related injury.
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22 SPRING EDITION 2023

SPRING EDITION 2023 23

JUMPSEAT CHATS WITH
ALLEN LAM
This edition, meet Allen Lam – crew to EPs – who reflects on his
QF career highlights!
When did you get your wings? What
was the interview like?
I received my wings in 2016. Testing my
memory here but the interview process
consisted of a video interview followed by
an assessment day with group activities
and a written exam.
What was your most memorable slip?
Going to Cape Town on a 96hr JNB
layover. Went shark diving in Gansbaai,
hiked up Lions Head and road tripped to
Chapman’s Peak. Incredible experience
in a beautiful city!
What do you wish passengers
knew about crew?
- Crew make many personal
sacrifices so that they can get
from point A to point B safely.
- Crew are more than just "glorified
tea and coffee servers".
- Crew are not to blame for service
shortfalls or delays.
- Crew are human and need a
break too.
Bunk/packing tips?
- Invest in a good universal travel adapter.
Saves you from bringing an individual
adapter in each port.
- Keep a light, foldable backpack and a
pair of thongs in your suitcase. Takes up
minimal space and both can be used
in a variety of settings.
What is the atmosphere like for you
as a trainer on EPs grad day?
Every instructor feels a sense of pride
seeing how far their students have come
from Day 1 of training. Seeing their
dedication and perseverance to the
training pay off is extremely rewarding.
What would 12 year old Allen say to
2023 Allen and vice versa?
12 year old Allen would tell 2023 Allen
that he’s proud of his achievements.
2023 Allen would tell 12 year old Allen
that good things happen to good people.
24 SPRING EDITION 2023

FAAA Members
Discount
FAAA Members receive
a discounted rate of:
$
112 per night
on Standard Queen or Twin rooms. Call up today: (+61) 2 8364 9111
Inclusions:
FREE Express Start Breakfast
FREE unlimited high speed Wi-Fi
24hr Fitness Centre
Self-service laundry
E-mail: info.sydap@proinvesthotels.com
Booking Link:
SPRING EDITION 2023 25

Top three study/EPs day prep tips?
- Utilise all resources available on qfcrew. These include
but are not limited to training videos, virtual aircraft
walkarounds and revision quizzes.
- Start your study prep early and don’t leave it to the last
minute. Allocate time during your week to read your
manuals and break them down into chapters. This could
even be done in the slip port if you plan on having a
quiet layover.
- Get a good night’s sleep before EPs. It can be a long day so
you want to be well rested to perform at your best. Good
quality sleep also helps with memory retention and recall.
What benefits to crew does union membership provide?
- Specialised advice and support from union delegates who
are crew and understand the intricacies of the job
- Access to crew-friendly resources e.g. transport calculator,
allowances app
- Collective bargaining for better work conditions
- A voice for those who are afraid to speak up.
What did your EPs ‘Aviation Safety Training Instructor’
training involve?
My training path to become an instructor consisted of a
multitude of "sign-offs" ranging from theoretical exams (pass
mark of 100%) to the practical delivery of training modules.
The training path also included a sign-off on Dangerous
Goods and Human Factors. Training for this included a 3-day
Dangerous Goods Acceptance Course which ended with a
4-hour exam as well as a practical delivery component.
The final accreditation in order to receive a CASA instrument
involved facilitation of a cabin crew and flight crew
recurrent course.
Best part of your job?
- The relationships you build with the students/crew and
being with them during their "light bulb" moments.
- Working alongside incredibly talented and knowledgeable
instructors who teach you something new everyday.
What are the highlights of our arrangement training in
Abu Dhabi?
For the students it’s an opportunity to experience a different
culture and lifestyle. It gives them an insight into what
their life will soon be like; living away from the comforts of
home and dealing with the effects of jetlag, etc. For us as
instructors, it’s an opportunity to see how another airline
conducts their training operations. It gives us ideas on
how we can potentially improve the way we train our crew
back home.
26 SPRING EDITION 2023

SPRING EDITION 2023 27

FAAA ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
CONTINUE TO BE PART OF THE FAAA FAMILY
ONLY $25 A YEAR!
BENEFITS INCLUDE:
MEMBER NEWSLETTERS
OUR FAAA FACEBOOK ACCESS
OUR FAAA JOB BOARDS ACCESS
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• TITAN HEALTH
• WAGE COVER INCOME INSURANCE
APPLY ONLINE AT
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*Subject to change after December 2023
28 SPRING EDITION 2023

Globite is a worldwide luggage brand with an
Australian accent. We believe that a life well lived
starts with a solid suitcase and a world map.
So, we design, create and test products that’ll take
you from Perth to Paris, Panama and beyond.
We’re here for the journey, the destination, and
every knock, bump and ‘lost in translation’
moment in between.
www.globite.com you go, we go
Our Carry - On has received outstanding
reviews from aviation experts.
Maegan - Qantas Cabin Crew
"Love this bag so much. It has plenty of room and
the four wheels makes it so easy to travel with!
This bag is exactly as expected and more.
Couldn’t recommend this bag enough to everyone.”
Taylor - Qantas Cabin Crew
"I recently bought this cabin bag for work as I’m a
flight attendant and had heard from my colleagues
that it was one of the best. I’ve had the bag for a
month now and I am very happy with my purchase!”
William - Qantas Cabin Crew
"I have been using this bag for the past month,
very impressed by it’s queality and size. The
smooth - rolling wheels glide effortlessly,
thus removing the strain off the soulders when
travelling through airports.”
William James -- Qantas Cabin Crew
"Overall "I have been this is using a nice this piece bag with for the solid past construction. month,
It very is on impressed the small by side it’s so queality if I could and I would size. The get the
size smooth up, in - rolling addition wheels an expandable glide effortlessly, option would’ve
been thus removing great. It rolls the smoothly strain off the and soulders is lightweight whenand
easy travelling to lift through and maneuver airports.” around. “
Megan - Qantas Cabin Crew
"As I travel often , I’m so happy I’ve found a sturdy,
lightweight & functional cabin case. The size is
perfect to take onboard all of our aircraft’s .
I love the 4 double wheels, they make a huge
difference when navigating around airports”
Vanessa - Qantas Cabin Crew
"I am a Flight Attendant and this is the perfect travel
companion. It is effortless. It glides and makes travel
through airports catching flights a breeze. I can
attach my small crew bag so I am hands free and
not dragging heavy luggage.”
SPRING EDITION 2023 29

$$$ TAX AGENTS $$$
COMPANY ADDRESS TELEPHONE FAX EMAIL
NSW
QANTAX
C J Leech & Co
CARINGBAH
JET BASE MASCOT
02 9501 3067 cleechtax@bigpond.com
Lockwood & Ward SYDNEY 02 9299 7044 admin@lockwood.com.au
T J Holmes & CO
ULTIMO
COOGEE
02 9211 6510 tjholmes.co@iinet.net.au
Capitaleyes Business
Advice Financial Vision
Shop 3,
471-473 Marrickville Road
DULWICH HILL
NSW 2203
Entrance Seaview Street
(Street level)
02 9568 5555 02 9568 5015 charbel@capitaleyes.com.au
www.capitaleyes.com.au
VIC
Stafford Whelan ASCOT VALE 03 9370 9300 03 9370 2515 reception@staffordwhelan.com.au
PJA Accountants
& Business Advisors
ESSENDON 03 9375 4225 03 9370 2197 pjess@pjaca.com.au
QLD
Carlisle Accountants ROBINA TOWN CENTRE 07 5575 9474 07 5575 7475 carlisle@taxhelp.com.au
Romano Business
Accountants
PADDINGTON 07 3369 3200 07 3369 3266 clerk@rbaccountants.com.au
Sam Greco & Co ASPLEY 07 3263 5200 samg@taxonline.com.au
www.taxonline.com.au
30 SPRING EDITION 2023

RT Health looks after
the Australians who
keep Australia moving
RT Health is the specialist health insurer for transport
workers. As Australia’s first registered health fund,
we only exist to benefit our members. Our wealth of
experience has been gained over 132 years. We look
after the Australians who keep Australia moving.
As a member of the FAAA:
We’ll give you one
month free health
insurance when you join
on Hospital and Extras 1
We’ll waive your
2&3 month waiting
periods on Hospital
and Extras
1300 886 123 rthealthfund.com.au/faaa
1
Member must remain with RT Health for 90 days to be eligible. See www.rthealthfund.com.au/terms-and-conditions/one-month-free-corporate for
terms & conditions. RT Health is a division of The Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia Limited (ACN 000 026 746).
SPRING EDITION 2023 31

BUSINESS DIRECTORY
Janelle Lazos
Nutrition, skincare, makeup for
the whole family. It’s gluten free, vegan
certified and cruelty free using none
of the nasties cutting out over 2000
ingredients. Pure safe and beneficial.
Janellelazos.arbonne.com
32 SPRING EDITION 2023

SPRING EDITION 2023 33

DOGLO
Joanne Mooney
Jacqueline Ginnivan Qantaslink BNE
All signage and screenprinting
including Covid Signage, Corporate
Signage and Rebranding.
Dog collars – LED and rechargeable.
Website: www.doglo.com.au
Instagram: doglocollars
Vehicles, Buildings, Banners,
A-frames, Digital Printing, Vinyl
Lettering and Lightboxes.
www.moretonbaysigns.com.au/
All States serviced
40 Habitat Drive, Wakerley,
Queensland 4154
Email: moretonbaysigns@gmail.com
Jacqueline Ginnivan: 0438 139 294
Bradley Ginnivan: 0438 139 594
THE PEDAL SHOPPE
Julie Moody
Nicole Everett, CSS
Coastal Living Co
Candles, Diffusers, Soaps and Skincare
www.coastallivingco.com.au
My Vintage Beach
Homewares and Fashion
www.myvintagebeach.com
Café opening early August
1a 22-30 Brighton Street, Bundeena
NSW 2230
The Little Indie Bike Shop with a
Big Heart, on the Gold Coast.
Contact Details:
3/380 Oxley Drive,
Runaway Bay
Queensland 4216
Phone: 07 5537 2722
Facebook: thepedaslshoppe
Instagram: @thepedalshoppe
www.thepedalshoppe.com
ADAMS WILSON LAWYERS
Anthony Adams, SYD SH CSM
Employment Law
Commercial Law
Commercial Litigation
Administrative Law
Education Law
Contact Details:
Sydney: 02 93585822
Gold Coast: 07 55930277
Mobile: 0432 156 652
Bridget (QF) and Moto Kihara Landscapes
Registered Master Landscapers
with Victorian Landscape Association
and Victorian Building Authority.
We specialise in high end landscapes
and offer an end to end service
from design through to construction.
Kihara Landscapes specialise in
Japanese gardens however we offer
a broad range of landscape services.
We have won a number of awards
for our gardens.
Our gardens are unique and we
would love you to see our work at:
www.kiharalandscapes.com.au
or please follow us on Instagram:
@kiharalandscapes
Medusa Premium Charters
Len Morrison, CSM SYD
Welcome to our playground
Reserve a place on board for you
and your friends
www.medusapremiumcharters.com.au/
34 SPRING EDITION 2023

CGR
ELECTRICAL
FULLY LICENSED
RELIABLE
PROFESSIONAL
COLIN ROGERS HAS OVER 30 YEARS
EXPERIENCE IN THE INDUSTRY.
AVAILABLE 7 DAYS A WEEK SERVICING ALL
SYDNEY AREAS.
FOR ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL HOME OR OFFICE
NEEDS AT A VERY COMPETITIVE RATE.
NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL.
• Refit your old lights with new energy efficient LED
lighting
• Install fans to keep you cool in the summer
months ahead
• Upgrade old Fuse/Meter board
• Fit Safety Switches to your circuits to keep your
family and house safe and compliant with
current Australian standards.
• Install Hard Wired Smoke Detectors with battery
backup
CALL OR EMAIL TODAY FOR
A QUOTE OR BOOKING
0401 671 993
cgrogers215@gmail.com
LIC: 331166C
Licensed Real Estate Sales Agent
Property Partner at
The Agency, Bondi Beach
Susannah Anderson
Mobile: 0414 959 515
Fax: 02 8376 9199
susannahanderson@theagency.com.au
www.theagency.com.au
Luxury Bali Villas Enjoy private extravagance like never before!
We are an Australian based agent, giving you unprecedented
access to a collection of unique private villas in Seminyak, Berawa,
Canggu and Sanur. 5starbalivilla provides luxury Bali villas of private
Seminyak and coastal villas of Berawa and Sanur for holiday rentals.
Perfect for groups of friends or families, our luxury Bali villas are in
a prime location. Only a short walk from the beach and some of the
best options for world class dining in the area.
We allow you to holiday in style, without the expensive price tag.
You can enjoy your private luxury villa in peace or take a short
walk into the hustle and bustle of Seminyak. For the traveller that
enjoys a more relaxed stay our Berawa, Canggu and Sanur villa’s
will not disappoint. Our fabulous staff are there to ensure you are
pampered. You can stay tucked away in your own piece of paradise
or explore, the choice is yours when you book a retreat at one
of our private luxury villas in Bali.
For the best villa deals and a private luxury
accommodation in Bali, contact 5 star
Bali Villa now. info@5starbalivilla.com.au
VIEW ALL VILLAS
SPRING EDITION 2023 35

Jacque Caspersen
• Husband and wife owner operators
(intermittently)building espresso bars
for the last 10 years.
• Retail price is $40/kg which
includes postage ANYWHERE
in Australia.
• Wholesale price (for crew and
pilots) is $25/kg minimum 10 kg order.
Contact us for delivery rates.
• Barista Training Centre
Contact Details:
2/100 Sugar Road, Maroochydore
QLD 4558
Phone: 1300 062626
Mobile: 0417447847
COUNTRY TO COAST AUCTION
SPECIALISING IN FARM | ONSITE CLEARANCE SALES
Justin Rumore CSS | Telephone 0419 252 698
www.fabinterlinecruises.com
James Hardy
Heavily discounted interline rates
for airline staff –
up to
90 %
OFF
www.purecruising.com
Discounted last minute cruises for
non airline employees
SILVERBULL PROJECTS
BUILDER
CSM Martin Berzi
Katerina Charley
Independent Consultant
Contact Details:
Mobile:
+61 417063746
Email:
katerinacharley.arbonne@gmail.com
Website:
www.katerinacharley.arbonne.com
Facebook:
love life, laugh loud and good
health with Katerina
Instagram:
katerinacharley
The Lodge @ Clunes
– vacation rental
https://www.dayget.com.au/thelodge-at-clunes
The House of Windsor – two fully
self-contained townhouses in
Windsor, Melbourne.
The Kings Domain – Two-bedroom
https://www.airbnb.com.au/
rooms/23794613?source_
impression_id=p3_1592605977_
YP0TQ4do0kT6mKmo
The Queens Loft – One-bedroom
https://www.airbnb.com.au/
rooms/23794613?source_
impression_id=p3_1592605891_
peXf%2BUAivcX6r3m%2F
&guests=1&adults=1
Or booked as one
Windsor Castle
Renovations, Alterations and
New Builds – residential, commercial
and industrial make good.
NSW Licenced Builder 283322C
Facebook/Instagram: Silverbull Projects
Mobile: 0422 843 170
HAIR BY BETI
QUALIFIED HAIR STYLIST
Beti Koltovski Colton
0401242160
Coogee
36 SPRING EDITION 2023

In 2019 I was the proud recipient of a Bronze
“Stevie Award“ in the Women Helping Women
category for my coaching services.
Mobile: 0421 28 6746
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/
KatrinaWurmEmpowermentCoaching/
Ellenis Day Spa
39 High Street Kyneton Victoria
(Central Victoria’s Macedon Ranges,
just an hour from Melbourne’s CBD
and 45 minutes from the airport)
Owned by Brian Wilson and former Virgin,
Jetstar and Carter FA, Irene Thompson
who is the Principal Clinician
Crew from all airlines have
ALWAYS received a discount
and extra TLC
www.ellenisdayspa.com.au
Telephone 03 5422 3795
Matt Hopgood
ELECTRICAL SERVICES
Electrical Work Commercial, Domestic and
Industrial electrical contracting
Email: Mghopgood@gmail.com
Mobile: 0400805744
THE TRAVELLING LABELER
offering personalising and labels
Kelly Smith
Products include:
Etched glass drink bottles
Etched wine and champagne glasses
Custom name labels
Iron-on decals
Event signage
Pantry/laundry labels
Vinyl decals
Personalised gift boxes
Custom orders
(Located in Kurnell, NSW)
Contact via:
Instagram: @thetravellinglabeler
Facebook: thetravellinglabeler
Email:
thetravellinglabeler@hotmail.com
SPRING EDITION 2023 37

Anne-Marie Jonas
www.flexatee.com
20 %
DISCOUNT
USE CODE
QAN747
AT CHECKOUT
COFFEE SUPPLIER
AND CAFÉS
Don Adán Coffee House
5 Clifford Street, Mosman
Telephone: 02 9968 2828
Don Adán Coffee Too
65 Parraween Street, Cremorne
Telephone: 02 9909 2525
Don Adán Coffee Tree
90 Vista Street, Mosman
Telephone: 02 8068 8761
Gerardo Barrios
Don Adan Coffee
Mobile: +61 4 1314 6846
gerard@donadancoffee.com.au
www.donadancoffee.com.au
Mindful Life Coaching
Paul Hodder
Empowering you to Empower yourself
www.mindfullifecoaching.com.au
38 SPRING EDITION 2023

• Electrical Repairs and Re-wiring
• Upgrades to new Safety Switches
• Smoke Detectors
• TV antennas & points
• Data Cabling & points
• Ceiling Fans
• Split Air Condi-oning Installa-on & Service
• Energy saving LED lights
• General Property maintenance
• New Kitchen Installa-ons ( Bunnings or
IKEA Kitchens)
• IKEA Flat pack assemblies
www.kennyjonescelebrant.com.au
SPRING EDITION 2023 39

Ray Galea
Marriage Celebrant and Master of Ceremonies
www.celebrantwithwings.com
Young Surf Fashion Design
Naomi Young
Facebook: weareyoungsurf
Instagram: weare_youngsurf/
15 %
DISCOUNT
FOR
QANTAS
STAFF
COASTAL INDULGENCE
Kiama Heights, NSW, Australia Coastalstays
Lea Saunders
Breathtaking ocean view from cliff’s edge overlooking Love’s Bay.
Coastal Indulgence is an architecturally designed luxury beach house
with exquisite lap pool and stunning sea view. Stylish holiday house
for couples and small family groups.
www.coastalstays.net
Email: coastalindulgence360@gmail.com
One bedroom fully self contained guest apartment, sleeps 3-4
(not suitable for children under 12 years)
40 SPRING EDITION 2023

Owned and operated by: Pen Esquivel
102/9 Railway street Chatswood,
NSW 2086
Phone: (02) 9884 7104
Email:
pamana_chatswood@yahoo.com.au
pamanachatswood.weebly.com
Location: 3/8-18 Wurrook Court Caringbah (Sydney’s Sutherland Shire)
Phone: 0403 196 752 or 0432 949 453
Email: info@agsolar.com.au www.agsolar.com.au
200m from the new Café del Mar, 600m from Finns,
Beach Club, gourmet grocer, 24 medical centre, French patisserie,
restaurants down the road and beauty places close by.
Two bedroom luxury villa with pool, massage mezzanine,
rooftop lounge and all the amenities. Affordable luxury.
www.villaserasi.com
Quote your
staff number for
exclusive
DISCOUNTS
for Qantas Staff
SPRING EDITION 2023 41

42 SPRING EDITION 2023

Brad George | Financial Adviser,
Fina Financial ABN 35 103 592 810
Authorised Representative AR 235481
of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd AFSL 494274
No matter what stage of life you are at.
A well structured financial planning and investment
strategy could make a real difference when it comes
to living the lifestyle you want. Speak to a financial
planner to find out more.
19 Hennessy Street Croydon NSW 2132
Email: brad@finafinancial.com.au
Phone: 0400 747 760
Phone: +61 2 9799 1069
Fax: +61 2 9034 4599
www.finafinancial.com.au
FAAA Discount Offer
PREORDER COFFEE PREORDER BREAD
PREORDER PASTRY PREORDER GRANOLA
with BOPPL
and enjoy FAAA 15% DISCOUNT
* Schedule your pick up time
* Enjoy the $5 off first purchase MICHE code at checkout.
* Enjoy the 15% FAAA discount with OURFAAA code at checkout.
FAAA Members Still enjoy 10% over the counter at all stores
The 15% is valid on BOPPL for Sonoma Alexandria & Manly stores.
** only one code valid per transaction **
On presentation of your FAAA membership card,
you will receive 10% discount across dine-in and take away
at all Sonoma stores.
SPRING EDITION 2023 43

44 SPRING EDITION 2023