While donning a uniform for work each day can command a healthy respect from certain elements of society it can also come with its own set of challenges, particularly if you’re a woman! As part of International Women’s Day 2018, we celebrate six local women in uniform and how they’re kicking goals in their respective industries.
Left to right: Kirstie Hunter, The Reverend Stephanie Patching, Jessica Land
Kirstie Hunter
Occupation: Flight Attendant
Age: 26
Tell us about your job? I have been a flight attendant for Alliance Airlines for going on 6 years now and have loved every moment of it. My day usually starts with a full face of makeup then I style my hair and get dressed into my full uniform. No day is ever the same in aviation especially when you are working for a charter airline. Most of the time we operate fly in fly out transport to mine workers however we have also operated flights for the Cowboys, local sporting teams and media crew. Most people believe that to be a flight attendant you need to be able to serve food and drinks and look nice however there is actually a lot of study and on going training required in order for us to retain our positions.
Why did you choose this career? I was previously working in administration but wasn’t finding it very rewarding. I had a friend who mentioned how exciting the aviation world was so I started looking for the right airline for me and was lucky enough to come across Alliance Airlines.
What do you love about your job? I love the variation of locations and the different rosters and crew members I get to work with each month. I find all the study that we do very interesting as it covers many areas including fire fighting, medical and emergency evacuations and procedures.
What is the most challenging part of your job? The initial ground school and exams are quite challenging. Dealing with different passenger personalities and requests can sometimes be very challenging especially when you go from flying a fly in fly out worker to a passenger flying on a first class business charter.
What’s the most memorable moment in your career? I have two very memorable moments with Alliance over the past few years. The first was when I operated a private charter for the Cowboys to Melbourne and myself and another flight attendant got to meet Jessica Mauboy and have a chat with her. The second time was when I operated a charter flight to Papua New Guinea and after landing and disembarking the passengers I looked over at the airport fence and there was a man standing at the fence with a bird in his mouth.
The Reverend Stephanie Patching
Occupation: Anglican Priest
Age: 49
Tell us about your job? I am the Rector of St Matthew’s Anglican Church, Mundingburra, which means that I am responsible for coordinating all the Church services including Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals at St Matthews. I also visit people to speak about God’s love for them in their houses, hospital rooms and nursing home rooms. I see my role as reminding adults, young people and children of the presence of God in their lives and in their communities including the Church community.
Why did you choose this career? I wanted a career that combined my own faith in a loving God and served other people. Within the Anglican Church in Queensland, women are able to serve as Priests, alongside their male colleagues. It is a real privilege to be able to serve God and others in this way.
What do you love about your job? As a Priest, you meet people at different stages of their lives. You are able to celebrate with them the coming together of a couple in marriage or the birth of a child. You are also there at the difficult times of their lives including receiving news that you or a family member has a terminal illness or when you lose a loved one. My job is about the important things of a person’s life, literally it is about life and death and everything in between.
What is the most challenging part of your job? I guess it is that there is so much that you can be involved in, but only a certain number of hours in the day. There is the danger of overworking yourself and burning out (and so not helping anyone in the longer term including yourself). You need to find time to spend with God in prayer, being guided by God, and also find time to care for yourself and your family.
What’s the most memorable moment in your career? I think the most memorable moment was when I was ordained Deacon in February 2008 and Priest in November 2008 at St John’s Cathedral, Brisbane by Archbishop Philip Aspinall. However your first baptism, wedding and funeral as well as the first Church service that you take is always memorable. Recently being inducted as Rector of St Matthews was very memorable for me.
Jessica Land
Occupation: Vehicle Mechanic (Army)
Age: 23
Tell us about your job? Day to day my job entails working on diesel vehicles; I conduct technical inspections and light to heavy grade repairs. Maintaining fitness is also a big aspect of Army life and we do physical training in the mornings and have the opportunity to play sports around trade work.
Why did you choose this career? I joined the Army because I wanted a meaningful career. With an interest in mechanics I chose to join and complete a trade through the Army.
What do you love about your job? My favourite thing about the Army is the comradery that encompasses it. I have had so many amazing experiences in the Army but even in the ‘less enjoyable times’ (like getting tear gassed or spending weeks away from family), doing it with your mates will always get you through (normally with at least one funny story at the end) and that’s what I love about the Army.
What is the most challenging part of your job? The most challenging part of my job is probably being away from family during important times such as birthdays or special events.
What’s the most memorable moment in your career? The most memorable moment for me was a few years ago when a small team (including my best mate and myself) were given the opportunity to walk the Kokoda Track.