Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
A very long time ago, a friend asked if I wanted to go up in a plane. Little did I know he would do acrobatics over Melbourne city – such an awesome experience being upside down in a plane over Melbourne.
Why did you become a volunteer?
I love being active and I’ve always wanted to help people, so one day, when I was looking up interesting volunteer opportunities, I came across this organisation called the SES. To be honest I had no idea who the SES were (I hadn’t lived in Australia for nearly two decades). But after reading about them and then going to the information night at Narre Warren I was hooked. The people were amazing and made me feel at home straight away.
What is your experience with the SES?
I’ve been a member for nearly four years and during that time I’ve learnt so many skills. Who would have thought I would know how to use a chainsaw, drive our storm truck, or manage staging areas. When I tell friends back in London what I’m now doing they’re in disbelief, but, of course, very proud. I’m currently a deputy controller for members and a crew leader.
What do you love about what you do?
What don’t I love about what I do! I love that I’m learning so many new and diverse skills and meeting such amazing and like-minded people – not only within the SES but within the community.
What are you most passionate about?
Anyone who knows me well would attest to the fact that I’m passionate about animals. My retirement dream is to have a little hobby farm for older animals who just want a quiet, peaceful life.
Who is the best person you’ve worked with?
The best person I’ve worked with is Aaron Heathcote. When I joined, he was a volunteer who was returning after some time away. His patience in helping me and the other new volunteers during our initial training session was invaluable. I was even lucky enough to have Aaron as my crew leader during my first multi (lots and lots of requests for assistance all at once). I was a little nervous as I wasn’t sure how I could help, but Aaron’s calmness and experience made me feel like a valued crew member – can’t thank him enough!
What is your most memorable moment with the SES?
There are so many memorable moments, but one that really stands out is the day we were searching for a young boy who went missing up at Mount Disappointment. It was the third day of the search and we were out in very thick scrub. We were exhausted and fearful, but when we heard over the radio that a young boy’s shoe had been found and then shortly after he had been found – emotions were high – this was the best outcome. I couldn’t have been more proud to be a volunteer with SES that day.
What were you like as a kid?
A tomboy without question. All I wanted as a kid was an orange tractor – mum tells me that I was beside myself when I received my orange truck from Santa one year (funny when you think that I now drive an orange SES truck). Then I moved on to skateboards and anything that had a slight element of danger. Strange how when you get older that all changes!
What was your favourite subject in school?
Legal studies – when I was around 15, I thought about joining the police force, then it moved to being a lawyer. Not sure what happened as I did neither.
Do you consider yourself an extrovert or an introvert?
I would say I’m an introvert masquerading as an extrovert. I’m at my most comfortable sitting at home reading a book or watching an old classic movie like Rebecca or Gone with the Wind.
What do you do to relax after a busy day?
When I’m not on call, I sit back and have a lovely glass of chilled wine.
