HALL OF FAME

Tell us a bit about yourself and your role within NSW SES?

I am a single father of two children, and work full-time with Australia Post.

I am a Field Member with the Shellharbour City Unit

Why did you join NSW SES?

I have a passion to help others in need. I have found this out over the years of being witness to some accidents or those in need of help. Rather than running the other direction or standing there not assisting, I found myself racing over to help.  I saw this as a calling card to contribute to the community, to gain further knowledge and skills.

What is your favourite part about being a member of the NSW State Emergency Service?

The training and knowledge. Also being able to learn things and implement them out in the field, from assisting the community in weather events to helping other agencies find families loved ones.

What are the various skills you have learnt along the way?

I am grateful to the SES and the senior team at my unit to have had the opportunity to have made it to the Rank of Operator and to have completed courses and skill sets of Storm and Water, Chainsaw Operator (Cross Cut) , PIARO ( Participate In A Rescue Operation), and Land Search.

With these courses, I am confident I can safely get on roofs in weather events with a rope safety system and make temporary repairs to help residents through the weather events, clear unsafe trees or tree limbs in a safe manner and to conduct and participate in safely lifting and stabilising a load to assist in the rescue of a casualty.

What advice would you give to others that are thinking to join?

Honestly - hand on heart - don’t overthink it. If you have a passion or interest in helping people and wish to be part of a team, to learn new skills, to get out there and do what we can to help, then look no further. Honestly - put your name down. The skills that can be achieved help not only the community in times of need, but you will also implement them in your day-to-day life ... very humbling and rewarding experience.