Sharon helps Victoria fly through summer

Sharon O’Sullivan is DEECA’s Senior Commercial and Procurement Manager. She works in the department’s Aviation Services Unit (ASU) – the team responsible for managing the Aviation Services contracts that help to protect Victorian communities over summer.

‘If I’m at a barbecue I say I am responsible for the procurement and contract management,’ Sharon says.

‘There is a lot that goes into making sure our contracted fleet aircraft are in the right spot for when they are needed.'

‘It’s good for people to know that that we have these aircraft available to support our crews during a bushfire or other emergency.’

Sharon’s role includes procuring aviation services and managing the associated contracts.

She started her career working for commercial airlines and has been in the industry for nearly 30 years. She joined DEECA during the pandemic.

‘It is hugely different compared to working in the commercial airlines.'

‘I used to work for a charter airline back when I started at Britannia Airways, and then procurement at some of Australia’s commercial airlines.'

‘In the commercial space there is a big focus on the bottom line, but here in government it is all very much about safety and making sure we provide what is needed for the community.’

Spreading her wings

Over the past year Sharon has also taken on an ‘emergency role’ at DEECA. Emergency roles are common across the department, giving employees the skills and expertise to help respond to emergencies, including bushfire.

Sharon’s emergency role is on the airdesk, helping to dispatch aircraft to where they are needed.

‘A lot of the role is talking to operators. It gives me a better sense of their challenges and the role they are doing, which helps me to do my main role too.'

‘I think it’s probably helped to build a better level of rapport and respect to have that more operational lens.'

‘There is a bit more understanding.’

More information

In mid-December, DEECA helped launch the 2024-25 aerial fleet: Aerial firefighting fleet prepared for high-risk summer.