Meet Caroline Smith, an Executive Assistant to the Regional Director in the Grampians region. Caroline works a 3-day week sharing the role with Claire Trevenen. This gives Caroline the flexibility to manage family commitments.
The role of Executive Assistant sees Caroline spending most of her work time in front of a computer – managing calendars and emails and supporting the operation of the Regional Directorate.
However, over the summer months, Caroline can be found far from a computer, working as a general firefighter!
Caroline completed general firefighter training in the Murrindindi fire district in 2022. And has since added 4x4 driving training to her resume.
Since becoming part of the emergency response team, Caroline has enjoyed building on her knowledge by participating in ‘Fire Ready Fridays’ at Shepparton, which helped her to develop familiarity with operating pumps, vehicles and other equipment.
In the recent 2023/24 fire season, Caroline was deployed to several fires in the Barmah National Park and across the Lower Goulburn area, which has helped to cement the skills she has been developing over recent years. “I’m usually deployed on weekends or public holidays when I’m rostered on for standby. Most of the deployments involve a lot of mopping up, which is putting out hot spots on the fire ground with water or breaking up hot and burning logs with a rake hoe or other tools.”
"The general firefighter role is a complete contrast to my day-to-day role in many ways. It allows me to get away from behind the desk and spend time in the bush, learning how to drive different vehicles and use firefighting equipment. Despite the contrast, it also provides an opportunity to hone skills in communication and risk management which is very much relevant to my BAU role.”
“Having worked in the department for 10 years, I have seen many emergencies unfold, but my role had always been supporting ‘business as usual’ work while others were deployed."
"I live in Shepparton, and work for DEECA’s Grampians region. Being in an emergency role has also provided an opportunity to do work that directly impacts the place where I live and the ability to connect with my local community.
It’s so much fun learning new skills and meeting new people. I am fortunate to work in a team that supports flexibility and understands the valuable skills and connection that can be gained through an emergency role. The FFMVic team in Goulburn District have welcomed me as part of the team and have given me great opportunities to build skills and confidence in the role.”
Page last updated: 14/06/24