Territory Stories

Memories of an Ansett hostess

Details:

Title

Memories of an Ansett hostess,

Creator

Clarson-Griffin, Susan,

Collection

Territory Times Gone By, StoryNT,

Date

1974-12-25,

Description

I had been an ANSETT HOSTESS for only 6 months and just out of training when I was among the crew who volunteered to fly our Boeing 727-200 registration VH-RMW into Darwin to assist with the evacuation. We flew into Darwin directly from Brisbane and I clearly recall the utter amazing numbness felt by each of us as the doors were opened and we had our first glimpse of what was left of the Darwin Airport Terminal. It is a blur all these years on – however the feelings of distress on the flight back to Brisbane - just sitting and talking to some of the passengers was brought back by reading all of the stories on approaching “Tracy’s” 40 Year Anniversary. We could only pass out water and sandwiches and try to console those whose lives had been all but destroyed or forever changed by “Tracy” and the feeling of helplessness was profound. As a young 21 year old this flight had an enduring impact on me for many years after. I was asked many years later to volunteer again. After being questioned over the phone by my Manager as to my views on the Lindy Chamberlin Case [not knowing why at the time] - I told her resolutely that I was of the opinion she was and always had been - Innocent. I was asked to act as the Cabin Manager [Purser was our title then] on the flight when Lindy was released from Darwin Prison. Another reminder of how precious Life and Freedom are. Darwin will always hold a special place in my heart - I met my husband Greg, 16 years ago in 1998 on a flight from Perth to Darwin where he lived and worked for Woodside. We returned only a few years ago to revisit our courtship and visit all the magic places that were ours for a year before he was transferred back to Perth. Kind Regards & Our Thoughts go out to Each and Every person who KNEW “TRACY” in 1974.,