Well, that's what I thought, but latest is that they are going to give the Sydney base one more try to make it work, because ultimately the costs of sydney crew are quite good, cause they only have to stay for one night in HKG. Even if it's a temp contract, I'm sure there will be heaps of people interested for the experience.
It might be worthwhile for interested parties to send an email with your CV to show an expression of interest. If they receive enough it might prompt them into expediting this plan.
cali001, check your PMs