I received a text at 11:38 a.m. that VA 1421 2:40p.m. to Cairns was cancelled. This didnt give me sufficent time to make any alternative arrangements as my taxi was almost at the airport. The reason given was staff shortage. I would like to understand what this means. I approached the Virgin Lounge to see if I could wait there as the next flight was not until after 5:00p.m. which was to Brisbane but despite their understanding/empathy for my situation they had could not allow me to enter. (I was previously a silver velocity member - now basic due to COVID). I had to wait around for over 5 hours in Sydney only to then fly to Brisbane where I had to wait another 3 hours during which time several flights departed for Cairns. It would have be ideal to have been on the one taking off not long after I landed. I got home close to mid-night and missed out on a planned family get together and am very tired for work today. Fellow passengers also complained of the short notice. I would have stayed on in Sydney which was an option had I had longer notice of the situation. Joanna