Tell us a bit about yourself and your role within NSW SES?
I'm the Deputy Unit Commander. I look after all of the field operations. I’m also quite passionate about training, which I totally did not expect! In the real world, I come from a management background, however I have spent the last two and half years in the funeral industry.
Why did you join NSW SES?
In January 2016, my daughter was stranded in the Bendethera Valley by flood waters. It took three days for NSW SES Flood Rescue operators to extract her and her friends. I decided on the spot that's what I needed to do. I drove home and put my application in that day. A month later I was wearing orange! 12 months later, almost to the day, I qualified as a Swiftwater Flood Rescue Technician.
What is your favourite part about being a member of the NSW State Emergency Service?
I am really very passionate about training. There is an amazing sense of accomplishment when you see someone, who you have mentored and invested time in, take those skills and climb on a roof for the first time, or clear a tree from a road with a chainsaw for the first time. It’s even sweeter when that member didn’t believe they could do these things only days or weeks earlier.
My other love is Flood Rescue. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel most of the state during different deployments. Meeting members from different places is always awesome. I’ve made some great friends in places I probably otherwise would never have gone. Now I am learning to be a Flood Rescue trainer. I am truly keen to be able to pass along these skills so others can have the same opportunities I’ve had.
What are the various skills you have learnt along the way?
Storm and Water Damage Operations, Chainsaw Operations, Flood Boat, Flood Rescue (land based and in water), Urban Search and Rescue, 4WD, Emergency Operations Centre concepts... the list keeps growing every month!
What advice would you give to others that are thinking to join?
Do it.
Today.
Now. Go on... stop reading.
Apply: ses.nsw.gov.au
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