Brian Girdwood is among the former Ansett engineers preparing to gather for a reunion celebrating the former airline’s heyday.
The Sunbury resident, who spent more than 40 years working on Ansett aircraft, said regular catch-ups like next month’s event in Essendon were a chance to reflect on the many positives of life with the Australian carrier.
‘‘It was just one big family. I started at the engine shop back in ’63 … it was an enjoyable place to work, there were always great people who you got to know.
‘‘We try to keep in touch with one another. There’s been about four of them [reunions] so far.’’
Mr Girdwood, who still keeps himself busy working on the restoration of a DC3 at Tullamarine, said Ansett’s 2001 demise hit many people hard.
‘‘Towards the end there was a dislike for the New Zealand people because they were the ones who walked Ansett into the mess and then ditched it. People were very disappointed. Ansett was a huge part of life in the north-western suburbs. Towards the end there were 13,000 employees between the head office, the airport and the engineering group.’’
Close to 200 people are expected to attend the reunion at Fredricks, 980 Mount Alexander Road, Essendon, from 6pm on September 11. Tickets $35; booking essential.
Details: 0419 339 963
