Tricia Doolan: Dubbo woman completed her flight attending training to fly internationally

An indigenous woman from the state’s west has recently completed international aviation training and is preparing to jet off. Read her story below.

Tricia Doolan looking forward to joining Qantas to start her international flight attendant journey.

Growing up in disadvantaged but spirited community, a central west indigenous woman is set to see the world after completing her international flight attendant training.

The Apollo Estate community in Dubbo works to support disadvantaged families through intergenerational hardships and trauma.

Tricia Doolan, 30, said her time in the home “has never been easy” but is “grateful” for the experience as she has completed education and is about to travel the world.

“There is a lot of stigma around Apollo Estate, but if you just stick to school there is a lot of opportunities there for our mob – you can really go anywhere in life,” Ms Doolan said.

“I just want to share that it’s possible for anyone to do that, no matter where you come from.

“My family have always instilled in me that education is so important – we’ve all completed school and are doing amazing things now.”

Tricia Doolan at Virgin Australia.

Describing herself as a free spirit, Ms Doolan was attracted to becoming a flight attendant in 2019, where she flew domestically with Virgin Australia until May this year.

Working for the Bank of Queensland in Dubbo then indigenous health, Ms Doolan explained she wanted a career change with further opportunities.

Tricia Doolan at Virgin Australia.

In 2014, Ms Doolan received the NAIDOC Apprentice of the Year award in 2014 while working in the bank which has taught her to believe if herself and strive for more.

Ms Doolan completed a six-week aviation training program with Qantas and is preparing for her first long-haul international flight on July 21 to Santiago, Chile.

“I’m a bit nervous but I have been doing aviation for a long time now, so it is second nature to me,” Ms Doolan said.

“I love travelling and there is so much freedom in the job.”