Wow, just stumbled across this site here in dear old Albion, where it is hosing it down with rain. We like our droughts wet over here!
Never worked in Darwin, but transitted many a time in the early-mid eighties, and once in '78 in a TMAC CL-44.
Had mates that worked there, one Owen Jackson already mentioned. Knew Mary O'Brian too; she taught me to fly, I did my first 30 hours with her on a Chipmunk. Flew with Owen in WA both in our first flying job.
Royal Brunei days were most fun. We'd be the last flight in for a night stop. Murray, if I recall, Ansett station manager, would keep the Ansett lounge open. Straight in there after landing for a swift, cold one whilst the nights plans were developed! Twice a week, Thursday's and Saturday's.
The RBA traveller's friend; a chilled six-pack in a mini eskie for the passengers when the airline went dry. What a laugh.
Happy days.
BSD.