Article from September’s Spring Edition of Tieri News. Read more here.
Our top little town is full of interesting people from varied backgrounds. Each edition, we chat to different members of the community to get their story and share it with you so you get to “Meet the Locals”.
This edition we meet Tieri’s Fire Captain, Stacey Barry…
Stacey, how long have you lived in Tieri?
I moved here 17 years ago from Lithgow in NSW. It’s also a mining town so it has a similar sort of vibe to Tieri, but Tieri is a lot smaller…and warmer! 17 years is a long time.
How has Tieri changed in that period and how has it stayed the same?
It’s definitely a lot more transient now. In the early years, I used to know pretty much everyone here, but today there are a lot more people I don’t know. When you live in a small community for such a long time, you make close friends, but it’s inevitable that people move on. It’s sad to lose them, but we’ve remained friends despite the distance. And it’s good to get new faces and an injection of fresh energy and ideas into the community. Despite the more transient nature of the town, it’s still a quiet, friendly, welcoming place to live. Everyone still looks out for each other and it’s still a great place to raise a family. My three sons, aged 27, 25 and 18, were raised here, and now my two grandsons, aged 3 and 1, are growing up here too!
You work at CTM LINKS – what’s your role there?
I’m the Administration Officer and I do anything that’s needed to support the three Community Development Officers (CDOs) at Capella, Middlemount and Kath Hema, here in Tieri. Despite being close by, the three areas are all very different to each and have very different demographics. That means the services we provide (pages 18-19) and support needed varies from site to site, and includes general admin duties, assisting with events, reviewing the latest legislation, and reviewing and writing policies and procedures.
Most recently, I’ve been working in Middlemount for three days a week to support our new CDO as they get to know the area and the role. I’ve been with CTM LINKS for four years and I draw on all my years of experience working as a registered nurse, as well as my many studies including a Diploma of Applied Science, Diploma of Occupational Health and Safety, Bachelor of Nursing, and Bachelor of Accident Forensics which I’ve nearly finished.
Outside of work, you’ve been an auxiliary firefighter with the Tieri Fire Brigade for 13 years. What motivated you to first get involved?
I had young kids and couldn’t work as a Registered Nurse which would have required me to travel to Emerald. I was looking for a challenge that wasn’t full time. I had worked on the fireground during the NSW bushfires back in the 90s and found it a rewarding experience. When I moved to Tieri, I wanted to continue that journey, so I applied for a position as an auxiliary firefighter at the Tieri Station, eventually working my way to Captain.
What does the role of Captain involve?
General running of the station, reporting, training, recruiting and managing incidents. Work hours vary from a few hours a week to twenty or more if we are called to an incident or conduct Hazard Reduction Burns.
We do a lot of community education too, which I love doing. We were at Tieri State School recently for the Under 8s Day. It’s always great to see their little faces light up. I got a letter in my mailbox from a 4-year old with a drawing of a fire truck and a message. It really warms my heart.
What training do you have to do?
Back when I started we had to do initial ‘on-station’ training. That was followed by two weeks intensive training offsite, before coming back to the station. Training is also ongoing to ensure we remain competent. Training is multifaceted and includes skills such as how to use a f ire hydrant, wearing a breathing apparatus, evaluating hazardous materials incidents and how to use the ‘Jaws of Life’ to get people out of a trapped car.
The Jaws are like a big pair of scissors that can cut, lift, spread and breach doors allowing us to get in, or get people out of dangerous situations.
What’s been the most rewarding experience you’ve had?
Probably training our new recruits and seeing them flourish. It’s a joy getting them to a place where they are a competent member of the team, a valuable member of the community and can respond to an incident effectively.
Any scary moments?
A fair few…anything involving children or fatalities is always pretty tough going. I’m grateful to have a strong support network around us in those times.
It takes a certain sort of person to quite literally put themselves in the line of fire. What qualities do you think people need to have to be a firefighter?
It’s certainly not for everyone. There are lots of different qualities required. You’ve got to be empathetic, but also able to compartmentalise. And, importantly, you need to be able to reach out and ask for help, both physical help and emotional support.
What have you learned about yourself since you started?
I’m definitely stronger than I thought I was, in more ways than one. And also that if I put my mind to something, I can do it.
As we head into the warmer months and the fire season, what can people be doing to protect themselves and their property?
Make sure your gutters are clear and don’t put your lawn clippings over the back fence. Take them to the dump. And, it should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway: don’t throw rubbish into the bush, especially tyres!
With so much going on, what does a typical week look like for you?
I’m a big NRL fan and support the Dragons and the Blues, so in between my work at the station and at CTM LINKS, I try not to miss any games. Footy brings a great sense of community with it, which is why it’s been so great to have the Pirates back up and running for the last two seasons. Tieri – and plenty of people from the surrounding areas – come out to support them. My middle son plays for them and my eldest is a waterboy. I absolutely love watching footy…but I find it hard when my boy is playing – I don’t want him to get hurt!
What might people be surprised to know about you?
I am a descendant of Vikings!
Where’s your ‘happy place’?
Obviously, any time spent with my kids and grandsons. Or watching footy on my back verandah, with my dog Peanut (a girl!) – that’s often where people will find me.
Any moments you’d like to re-experience?
When I went to Africa. Kruger National Park, Zimbabwe and Cape Town were just stunning. The landscape, the animals, the culture, the people…it was just amazing.
Quick-Fire Round…
How do you describe yourself? Resilient.
How would your mates describe you? Introverted and a homebody. They have a hard time getting me out of my house!
How do you spend your spare time… and with whom? Watching footy, with Peanut.
5 things you can’t live without? 1. Kids and grandkids 2. Peanut 3. Footy 4. Coffee 5. Beer
Dead or alive, who would be your ideal dinner guests? My Mum and Dad, Lady Di and Kurt Cobain.
If you could have anyone else’s job, whose would it be and why? I love both my jobs. I’m proud to be an auxiliary firefighter for the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service, so I don’t think I’d want to give that up. But, in a different life, I would love to be a forensic scientist.
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