Keith Sterland

Keith Sterland passed away peacefully on 18th May 2025, aged 94years.

Keith was the Qantas Air Fares expert, working at the Agency desk in the '70s, located on the Mezzanine floor, Qantas House, Hunter St.

I have no doubt there would have been many Travel Agents who greatly appreciated the advice Keith provided on fare calculations and the intricacies of Higher Immediate Points (HIP).
I know his colleagues considered him the guru of air fare knowledge, always willing to assist and was a wonderful mentor to his Agency colleagues.

I just assumed Keith had a photographic memory and a set of the tariff books at home to read in his spare time. That is, when he was not talking about the merits of his loved Sea Eagles team (NRL rugby league for those Union or AFL followers).

I quote from the death notice:
“A beloved friend to many. A proud member of his local community and an active supporter of many organisations. A passionate Sea Eagle's fan and a regular presence at Freshwater beach.

Celebration of Keith’s life to be held in St Marks Anglican Church, Freshwater on
Tuesday 03rd June 2025, commencing at 1100am”.

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From Rod Sell:
"Keith was also a keen swimmer and used to swim at the Manly League's Club pool.
At a Champions Dinner, a week ago at the Club, I was speaking with members of the swimming club about Keith. He had been in care for a while."

From Adrian Lutton:
"Most of us old timers would have had something to do with Keith. A real gentleman and only too willing to offer his advice and experience to us younger ones who respected his position.
HIghly regarded in the travel industry."

From Bruce Gregory (JCT Class of 1961):
"Thank you for the sad news. Keith was such a gentleman and a good teacher to all the JCTs who passed through the fares desk as I did in 1961."