Thousands of “Flighties” have flocked to Brisbane to celebrate the end of financial year together at the company’s annual Flichella Festival.
Themed “All Aussie Muster”, this year’s event was aptly held at the Brisbane Showgrounds where guests were asked to don their best flannelette shirts, western boots and Akubras.
Almost 4,000 of Flight Centre Travel Group’s (FCTG) people enjoyed a nostalgia-filled celebration complete with farm animals, Dagwood dogs, dodgem cars, a Ferris wheel and a slew of Aussie musical acts including Tuffy, Luke Cleave, Open Season Band, Lime Cordiale, ARC and Anna Lunoe.
James Kavanagh, FCTG Managing Director Australia, said the event provided an annual opportunity for team members from the Group’s many brands around the country to come together and celebrate their achievements.
“Celebration is a big part of our culture here at FCTG and Flichella is the most talked about event on the company’s social calendar,” he said.
“It’s really special seeing interstate teams come together and reunite on the day after many a virtual meeting throughout the year.
“We actually fly everyone into Brisbane for the day to make sure nobody misses out. It’s our way of saying a big ‘thank you’ to our people nation-wide for their hard work throughout the year.
“Reward and recognition are deeply rooted in our culture and it’s one of the many reasons we’re considered such a great place to work.”
This year saw a new addition to the schedule. On Friday night, those with more than 25 years’ tenure attended an exclusive dinner at FCTG’s Headquarters alongside senior executives and the company’s founders Bill James and Geoff Harris.
Graham Turner, FCTG CEO and Founder, joined the event via video message while visiting Flight Centre stores in Canada.
“25 years of service to a company is a significant milestone and we’re proud to have many people that fit this criteria,” said Kavanagh.
“These are people who have, in most instances, dedicated more than half their lives to the company, so it’s important we recognise this in a special way.”
