Media Release
The NSW State Emergency Service has welcomed its first female Deputy Commissioner, Ms Tara McCarthy in an historic appointment for the agency since its inception in 1955.
NSW SES Commissioner Murray Kear recently announced the appointment, signifying a new direction for the organisation.
"The NSW SES has around 10,000 volunteers from diverse backgrounds so it is terrific that this can be reflected in our leadership," Commissioner Kear said. "Ms McCarthy has a wealth of experience at an executive level leading large and innovative teams which will hold her in good stead in directing the future pathway of the NSW SES."
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Michael Gallacher has also congratulated Ms McCarthy on her appointment.
“Ms McCarthy has had an outstanding career and will make an excellent addition to the NSW State Emergency Service's Executive Team,” Minister Gallacher said. “Ms McCarthy is already proving a valued member of the NSW SES team starting in a busy few weeks and now with the storm season upon us.”
“I congratulate Ms McCarthy on her appointment and look forward to a long working relationship with her in her role as Deputy Commissioner.”
Starting her career as a paramedic with the NSW Ambulance Service, Ms McCarthy has followed a unique career path and is no stranger to a challenge. Leading a large team as a Director for WorkCover Ms McCarthy said, “A major achievement for me in this role was coordinating the investigation into the Waterfall rail disaster.”
From there she ventured into a senior executive position with the NSW Minerals Council before moving to the position of General Manager with St John Ambulance where she led the organisation through the delivery of first aid services for World Youth Day 2008.
Ms McCarthy then returned to the Federal Government as the General Manager for the Workplace Ombudsman leading a team of 240 Workplace Relations Inspectors located across Australia, transitioning them through the Machinery of Government change known as FairWork Australia.
Her next senior position was with NSW Health as the Associate Director Clinical Safety, Quality and Governance where she was responsible for managing the analysis of investigations and responses to the most serious of incidents that occurred across the NSW Health System. Most recently Ms McCarthy worked in a contract role with Transport for NSW leading a program of works for the development of submissions to the Federal Government for funding of transport infrastructure priorities under the Nation Building 2 funding program.
On top of her experience, Ms McCarthy has managed to juggle career with post graduate studies in Management from the University of Sydney as well as a busy family life living in Sydney’s eastern suburbs with her partner and two teenage sons. "My family always provide enormous support to me in my career decisions whilst keeping me grounded and balanced," she said.
"I feel privileged to have been appointed to the position of Deputy Commissioner with an agency that gives so much to the people of NSW," she added. "I am excited about having the opportunity to work with so many dedicated NSW SES members to continue on with the fantastic work they do to protect the community."
Media enquiries: NSW SES Media (02) 4225 7500.