PAGE 20 Meet Antonia Guterres, a JPC Alumnus whose journey from Preschool to graduation in 2011 has taken her to remarkable heights as a Loadmaster (LM) at 35 Squadron, operating on the C-27J Spartan in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Her story is a blend of adventure, determination and the invaluable lessons she learned at JPC. Antonia’s days at JPC were a whirlwind of activity, filled with unforgettable moments, such as representing Australia at the World Cheerleading and Dance Competition in Florida, USA, in 2008, where her team proudly secured an impressive seventh place. Academically, Antonia earned recognition with a half scholarship for her achievements during middle school. But beyond trophies and accolades, the support and guidance of her teachers, especially Donna Coombe and Luke Spargo, truly shaped her character. They taught her more than just lessons from textbooks – they instilled in her core values of determination, compassion, perseverance and respect, shaping her moral compass for years to come. Despite having no family ties to the Australian Defence Force, Antonia’s path veered towards the RAAF in 2016. The idea of becoming a Loadmaster appealed to her, driven by her desire for a profession that would challenge her while making a real difference, especially in humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions. Sadly, the loss of a close friend during Exercise Talisman Sabre in 2017 – an exercise aimed at improving combat readiness and interoperability across air, land, sea, cyber and space domains – deeply affected Antonia. Her friend’s brief yet powerful presence left a lasting impression, teaching her valuable lessons about life and self-discovery, and touching the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. Witnessing the repatriation flight conducted by a United States Air Force cargo aircraft profoundly influenced her career path, reinforcing her determination to contribute to the greater good and dedicate her career to serving others. As a Loadmaster at 35 Squadron operating on the C-27J Spartan, Antonia’s role is as dynamic as it is rewarding. Responsible for everything aft of the flight deck of her aircraft, she oversees cargo operations and participates in humanitarian missions across the South East Pacific region. Each day presents new adventures, from conducting a Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief mission in the Solomon Islands to engaging in Military Free Fall operations with paratroopers at Jervis Bay Air Field, New South Wales. Her career highlights include receiving a Silver Commendation for her efforts to enhance the recruitment process for Loadmaster prospects and being featured in the latest Air Force campaign titled Up There released in 2024. Family has always been a driving force in Antonia’s life, with her sister, Francesca Guterres, also a proud JPC Alumnus, serving as her rock and inspiration. While her demanding schedule sometimes makes it challenging to stay connected with her fellow Alumni, she remains deeply rooted in the values instilled during her time at JPC. Antonia offers simple yet powerful advice to anyone considering a career in the RAAF or a similar path: ‘Just bloody do it!’ If you’ve got dreams of reaching new heights, don’t hold back; leap and see where it takes you! Class of 2011 Loadmaster at 35 Squadron operating on the C-27J Spartan, Royal Australian Air Force Sergeant Antonia Guterres
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