HALL OF FAME

Tell us a bit about you and your life outside NSW SES (eg your background, family, work, study, interests, fun fact, claim to fame)

I am a proud Wiradjuri woman. My parents grew up in a country town called Coonamble. My mother’s side of the family is of the Kamilaroi tribe and my father’s side of the family is Pintubi tribe. I am the only girl among my siblings, and I share a close relationship with my brothers. I would say I am both a mummy and daddy's girl – haha 😊. 

I am studying to be an agent with the Australian Federal Police and my dream is to work with teams that respond to child protection and domestic violence concerns. 

I enjoy playing sport and have been quite successful at both rugby and netball. 

A fun fact about me is that I speak five languages fluently – Arabic, Samoan, Maori, Tongan and English!

When did you join the NSW SES? How long have you been a member?

I joined NSW SES in December 2018. Just shy of a year after joining, I was lucky enough to be given my two stripes as a Deputy Team Leader. 

I’m coming up to two years in the service now, and although not all days are easy, I have loved every minute of it.

What initially sparked your interest – how did you come to join the NSW SES?

I met someone through rugby who suggested the idea of volunteering with the SES. I pretty much signed up straight away and have never looked back since – I’m grateful I did it.

What motivates you as a NSW SES member?

Knowing I’ve been able to make a difference, and knowing I’ve made someone else’s life a little easier just by being involved, makes it all so worth it. 

I know that other members of my unit have a lot of confidence and they believe in me – that makes everything a little easier as well.

What’s the secret to your stamina in the NSW SES?

I just love it! I’ve been lucky enough to gain an extra family. I’ve been able to experience so many different situations and they have all shaped me into the team member and leader I am today. I love being the person that anyone can come to for anything, I love making a difference to other people’s lives.

What are some of your most memorable experiences in your time as a NSW SES member?

Having my two stripes presented to me was one of my proudest moments. 

But really, each day in Orange is an exciting one. I'm lucky to have met so many wonderful people I get to call my extended family. I would not be the person I am today without the help of the other members, unit commanders and the broader leadership team. They work hard behind the scenes and I have so much respect for them – they are the backbone. Everyone has their own mentors and leaders they can look up to and learn from. I am super lucky to have some of the very best to inspire me.

What would be your top tip for community members who are thinking about joining the NSW SES?

Don’t overthink it. Just give it a go and see how it feels. Trust your gut. 

At the end of the day, if it’s for you, you’ll love it. If it’s not for you, then you will know, but at least you’ve given it a try.

What suggestions do you have for the NSW SES to strengthen who we are and what we do, into the future?

Be open to doing things differently. Accept that not everything will work the first time. Be kind to one another and just be understanding. Make sure you see your team members as more than just that – be a friend to them. Get to know them deeper than just the orange they wear. You'll bond so much better and your work will be so much easier.

To show our support for, diversity and inclusion, what are some ideas for building a culturally safe and culturally aware NSW SES?

Be understanding of other people and their background. Keep an open mind and treat everyone fairly. Accept that others have a different way of thinking, which could be a result of how they are raised and what they have grown up around. Be respectful towards everyone, regardless of their background or skin colour. Don't be so quick to judge. Everyone has a past, so be kind to them.