Being a firefighter in Melbourne Water’s crew for the past two years has put Lauren Kinsey at the frontlines of protecting the natural environment she’s been fascinated with since a young age.
“I was always running off on my parents to go and explore the bush, beaches or waterfalls they would take me too,”Ms Kinsey, who grew up in Beaumaris, said.
“From that young age I knew I would work in the environmental sector.”
Lauren, who is part of the Natural Resource Management Team at Melbourne Water, joined the firefighting crew as a summer casual two years ago and after enjoying the experience so much, she jumped at the chance to take on the role full-time.
“It was the best decision I have made,” Lauren declares. “Being part of a great team with a goal to try and save people’s homes and lives and protecting Melbourne’s water supply, words can’t describe how rewarding that is.
“My family and friends are extremely proud of me and can see my face light up whenever I talk about my job.”
Melbourne Water firefighters protect 156,000 hectares of water supply catchment as part of Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) and alongside agencies including Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) and CFA.
From protecting the major dams in greater Melbourne’s water catchments to supporting colleagues from other organisations fighting last summer’s devastating bushfires in Victoria’s east, Ms Kinsey has quickly built up a wealth of experience on the frontline.
“The role involves several different tasks,” she said.
“From being on the front line actively trying to stop the fire to following up once the fire has gone through, making sure that all the hot spots are out so that the fire won’t reignite – and everything in between.
“When not fighting fires the role varies too. There is a focus around fire preparedness of the catchments. We spend two months cleaning any debris that may have fallen over the winter and then maintain them throughout the summer.”
Melbourne Water is looking for new members to join their seasonal crew with roles in Warburton, Healesville and Thomson Reservoir beginning in October and running through until autumn.
“The best part about working as a fire fighter with Melbourne Water is the team and the people that you meet,” Ms Kinsey said.
“Everyone is ready to do what is necessary with little complaints and you are always in for a laugh every day. I’ve made some friends on these campaigns that I will keep forever and we will also have that bond over our experiences that no one can truly understand.”
Applications close on Sunday September 20 at 11.55pm.
Visit: https://bit.ly/3bIHLcL for more information.
