Dana's Commitment to our Safety-First Culture

Dana is Cabin Crew Training Manager at QantasLink and National Jet Systems. She is also a dedicated member of the Aviation Safety Training Working Group.

Where did your career at Qantas begin?

My career commenced with QantasLink in 2006 on the BAE146, before converting to the B717. I was based in Darwin and loved the opportunity to connect people with regional areas across the West and Top End.

Over the years, I’ve embraced a variety of roles in CNS, BNE, CBR, SYD, and HBA, each offering new challenges. In 2016, I relocated to ADL to take on the role of Cabin Crew Training Manager, where my focus shifted towards safety and training.

What does a typical day look like for you?

A typical day is dynamic - full of coordination, collaboration, and of course, a healthy dose of problem-solving. I juggle everything from implementing training programs, updating manuals to writing courseware, coordinating training and facilitation approvals, maintaining guidance materials, and monitoring performance metrics to ensure safety standards are consistently met.

As a member of the AST-WG, I’m part of a knowledgeable, supportive, and safety-focused group. This is my favourite meeting each month, not just for the content but especially for the people. We collaborate seamlessly and are aligned in our safety procedures. Currently we’re focusing on virtual training, e-learning, and planning for enhanced training devices and facilities.

What do you think plays the biggest role in our safety culture?

I would say there are many key drivers to our safety culture, however I would highlight a strong commitment to communication and vigilance. We’ve built an environment where everyone, regardless of their role, feels responsible for safety. The team’s willingness to speak up, report incidents, and continuously improve through feedback makes all the difference. It’s also about discipline and adherence to procedures. We follow safety protocols not just because they’re mandatory, but because we understand the risks involved if we don’t.

When dealing with a problem, challenge or risk what tips do you have to stay calm and manage the situation?

My suggestion is to stay focused and rely on your training. It’s important to keep situational awareness, stay composed, and communicate effectively with your team. Having a proactive mindset also helps - you need to anticipate potential problems before they escalate. Being adaptable is critical to cabin safety; you have to think on your feet while adhering to safety procedures, which provides the structure to guide your decisions.

Why is Safety Week important?

Safety Week is a fantastic opportunity to reinforce the importance of our safety culture while connecting with colleagues across the Group. As a safety representative it was inspiring to see campaigns that involved every part of the Group, highlighting how deeply safety is embedded in everything we do.

I particularly enjoyed seeking out nominees for the Safety Guardian Awards, as I’ve been honoured to be previously nominated myself. It's truly humbling to be recognised among peers who are so committed to safety.