SYDNEY CONNECT BIOGRAPHIES
TRISTAN MOIR
CONNECT COORD
EXPERIENCE / BACKGROUND
I’ve been working with Virgin for around 10 years. Starting life as a cruise relief First Officer and then moved on to the E-jet and progressing onto the 737 before the Ejet was retired. In my working life I’ve worked at Ansett as an Engineer and Qantas as a Flight dispatcher and in-flight training as an instructor. My time in Qantas was ended in 2009 due to the GFC and I went through the redundancy process, which is very similar in the way that the resizing program is going at the time of writing this bio.
SITUATION
Having been through a relationship break up which saw me experiencing depression and, at the time, was involved in NTS for many years I read the signs and looked for professional help.
RELATED INTEREST/S
My circle of friends involves members of the LGBTIQ community and am well aware of issues that can arise from same sex couples.
MELANIE GRIFFITHS
EXPERIENCE / BACKGROUND
I have over 20 yrs experience in the aviation industry and 15 at Virgin Australia and check captain for 7 years.
SITUATION
I am happily married (coming up to 15 years) and have 2 daughters (7 and 4) plus a 22 yr old step son. I know first-hand the challenges that exist in the juggling act that is maintaining your performance as a pilot, being a mum, wife, housekeeper, expert at homework etc. I know all too well that you are bound to drop a few balls. Being the wife of a pilot, I am able to relate to the many wives, girlfriends, significant others that quite often have to play second fiddle to this job.
RELATED INTEREST/S
Although not in the check captain department today, I certainly have been exposed to many crew who experience anxieties in the sim environment, or generally have standards difficulties. I can relate and empathise with these experiences and do not trivialise them. Everyone is different.
STUART JOHNSON
EXPERIENCE / BACKGROUND
I have been with Virgin for over 10 years. Initially with Long Haul on the 777 as a Cruise FO and now on the 737 Domestic Fleet - Sydney Base. Prior to Virgin I worked in numerous areas of Aviation including included almost 3 yrs in remote WA, as well as time in Asia and several years instructing. Prior to flying I did 18 years in the NSW Police, working both uniform and plain clothes. Most of my service was in the inner-city areas finishing with my last few years at Redfern. After leaving the Police I also had my own Private Inquiry agency.
SITUATION
I am in a long-term relationship with a Cabin Crew member who is currently studying to be a pilot. I don’t have any children
RELATED INTEREST/S
With another Pilot in long haul I established the original Mentoring Program for the 777 and new Pilots. I was also actively involved in mentoring in the Police. I have had friends who have sadly committed suicide, I also have a close family member who has had a complete mental breakdown and suffers anxiety and depression. I am also pretty much primary carer for two close family members.
