Tell us your about your story in the Australian Defence Force
"I was in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) for 11 years permanently and since then have been in the RAAF Reserves, serving as both a chef and a firefighter. I have been a volunteer firefighter for 21 years. My fondest memories of the armed forces are being out on the field on exercise with the team and supporting airbase operations. The people I worked with were like family."
Tell us about your transition to the Office of Sport
"I have been at OoS for 9 months as an Events Officer. I was drawn to the customer service role and have experience managing shooting centres, so it was the perfect combination.
When applying for the role at OoS I used the services of Veteran Employment Program. They help Veterans prepare and apply for NSW government jobs and have a partnership with Office of Sport. They offer invaluable services from CV preparation to practice interviews to information to assist with completing an job application and understanding the capability framework. The skills I have from my time in the armed forces are transferable and the program helps you to sell yourself.
My RAAF training helped me develop leadership, teamwork, and resilience. It’s a task-based environment where being flexible and adaptable to situations is paramount."
What’s your favourite thing about working at Office of Sport?
The team. From senior leaders to my peers – everyone is respectful and approachable. I also love introducing people to a sport that I am passionate about. When I joined the Air Force, I practiced with a service rifle and fell in love with shooting from there. With the flexibility the role at OoS gives me I have more time to practice and have just started competing in shooting with my first national competition this month.
What does ANZAC Day mean to you?
"I think about my Pop who served in World War II. I go to dawn service and will be taking my 9-year-old son for the first time this year. It’s also a time of quiet reflection on the men and women who have served."