hi v8,
Im over in NZ working as groundstaff for an airline here, and I see LOADS of people transferring from Ground to Cabin Crew with my airline. Management see them to know the company inside out, and so therefore take their knowledge to the air. I had applied and had got in until they realised that I wouldnt be able to stand in the cabin without bashing my head on the roof (turboprop a/c) so I sat back at worked on the ground, and have just applied and been through the interview and medical process for PacificBlue, and am just waiting to hear back.
In my personal opinion, I would try and get a job in the industry ie groundstaff, and transfer that way - but then thats how it seems to work here in NZ, it could be completely different over in OZ.
All the best - and I know how exciting it is to think about flying! I cant wait to find out if im in!
TrafficBoy