Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Graduation Media Release #2 - Orchard Hills
Published: 01 Jan 1970 10:00am
Landscape Architect has designs on a Fire and Rescue career
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After nine years as a professional landscape designer, Ellyse Turner, knew it was time to put down her architect’s pen and put on a firefighter’s uniform.
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The 40-year-old Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) graduate wanted to explore a career that could cater for her love of physical fitness.
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“I felt like the physical nature of the job led to a bit of a challenge for myself but it’s also helping people in their hour of need…it’s a pretty special role,” Ellyse said.
“I’ve done some triathlons and stuff like that, so I’ve always been looking forward to that next  occasion whether it’s a long run, a triathlon or a long bike ride.”
Ellyse joined 214 other firefighters graduating today at the FRNSW Emergency Services Academy at Orchard Hills, in Sydney’s west.
With a two-and-a-half-year-old son and an eight-month-old daughter at home in Wollongong, Ellyse finds the hours of a New South Wales firefighter ideal.
“I guess the two 24-hour shifts, which we’re generally on now, would allow me to spend a bit more time at home with the kids…it’s more so the challenge of having that physical job…”
A long-time Rotarian, Ellyse is keen to help others.
“It’s giving back to the community. “I really like to engage with people.”
When not attending the Emergency Services Academy for training, Ellyse has spent a lot of time visiting her local fire station.
“My son asks me every afternoon, “what did you do today, Mum?
“Did you drive a fire truck, Mummy?” and I can say, “Yes, I did.”
“I sometimes come home in my duty wear and he sort of gets a bit of a kick out of that…he knows what the emblem stands for.
“We visit Wollongong Fire Station EVERY Saturday or Sunday…it was definitely my interest first and he’s caught onto that.”
A class Six graduate at today’s ceremony, Ellyse also appreciates the range of roles she could eventually fill.
“You can go to Communications, you’ve got Fire Education, you’ve got Bushfire Officer...that’s what really appeals to me, the amount of diversity within the whole realm of this organisation is pretty special, pretty unique.”
There’s plenty of time to explore those opportunities. For Ellyse and her fellow graduates, station life awaits.
Updated: 25 Oct 2022 01:11pm
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