LIFE FIGHTING FIRES

Q You graduated from the Queensland Combined Emergency Services Academy in 2018. How did you get into that?

A My aunty and uncle are firefighters with the NSW Fire Service. I was influenced by hearing their jobs and I also have a passion for helping people that stems from my surf lifesaving background.

Q How does that fit in with your schedule in terms of all that training you do for kayaking?

A On my day shifts I train super early to get a session in before having to be at the station in Brissy by 7am. And on the night I train early to get the arvo session done and then after night shift I head straight back to Pizzey (Park, the AIS centre at Mermaid Waters) the next morning to do that morning’s session. Recently QFES allowed me to take on a part-time role which allows me to work one day and one night in our eight-day rotating roster. This has made a huge impact after working full-time (two days, two nights, four off) for the first 18 months. I was always juggling around sessions and having to do a lot by myself including sessions on Sundays and Saturday arvos to make up for working midweek. My weeks would just roll into the other with no recovery time at all.

Q A job like that must make sure you stay grounded too, right?

A I think any job that your passionate about helps keep you grounded, and being a firey is no different. I love being able to take my athlete hat off and put another hat on and be fully focused on the job at hand.

Q Paddle Australia has set up a GoFundMe page to help bushfire victims. What does that mean to you?

A The fires have caused destruction to everything in their path. The next challenge is to rebuild. These affected communities need support now … and continued support to get back on their feet.