Helping out in her community is nothing new to Deanna Faulks, in fact you could even say it’s a family tradition!
In 2015, Deanna began volunteering with the NSW Rural Fire Service Wingen brigade and since then has become a valued member of the organisation. However, Deanna’s volunteering work began long before, first volunteering with the Red Cross.
“As a Red Cross volunteer, we would go and visit people in Scone Nursing Home. We did things like paint the residents’ nails while we sat and chatted to them. Whatever we could do to make them feel better.
“Then as my kids grew up, I started to get involved in whatever sporting clubs they were in. I joined our local community hall committee and became the President, helping raise money through fundraising and grants. We raised money for many things including $75,000 for repairs and to install a dance floor.”
Deanna’s volunteering for the RFS came about when a car accident occurred and her husband David, who is the Captain of the Wingen brigade, called her to help.
“On that particular day, there just weren’t enough volunteers. I ended up having to drive out in my personal car and help. After that I said to my husband, ‘Look, I’ll join, but I’ll only help out when it’s an absolute emergency’.
“Turns out I really liked it! I started to get on the truck for every incident and my passion for the RFS just continued to grow.”
In addition to Deanna and David being members of the Wingen brigade, two of their children, Montana and Cody, are also members.
“It is a small crew of volunteers; we’ve got about 18 people and six or seven of those are active volunteers.
“What I love about the job is knowing that we’re helping someone who’s having a really bad day. I always look at it as, if I was in their situation I would want someone to come and help me.
“I want to be part of the solution. I don’t turn up at the kids’ sporting club and just expect that other people will run it. I’m a true believer that everyone needs to get in and help.
“Growing up I saw my mum always helping out. Whether it was sporting clubs or something else my brother and I were involved in. Now she’s retired she volunteers with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. She was definitely a good influence on me.”
Deanna said volunteering is all about trying something new. It’s an opportunity to not only connect with people but to put your talents to use, or to learn entirely new skills.
“The good thing with the RFS is that there’s a role for everybody. If someone wanted to join up but didn’t feel they could go out to a fire or attend a car accident there’s so many other roles they can do. Communication, support and logistics. It is certainly worth people talking to their local brigade about whatever it is that interests them.
“There are also qualifications that you can obtain that go with all those roles. If you’re interested in aviation, you can go down the aviation path. If it’s communication, there’s lots of different courses you can do for that.”
Deanna’s own role in the RFS has changed over time, turning into a full-time career. She is now the RFS’s Risk Planning Co-Ordinator for the North Western Area.
She’s notched up plenty of accolades during her time with the RFS too. She received the Premier’s salutation and the National Emergency Medal for her efforts during the 2019-2020 bush fire season and this year she’s been nominated for both the Rotary Inspirational Women award and an NSW Emergency Services Community Award.
“I appreciate the recognition though really it is Rotary who should be recognised for the fantastic work they do supporting people in Emergency Services.
“Small communities like Wingen rely on volunteers and I want to be part of the solution. I want someone like me to turn up when I’m having a bad day, or when someone I love is having a bad day.”
As we head into fire season, Deanna wanted to use this opportunity to remind everyone to be prepared.
“Clear your gutters, stow flammables away from your house, have a bushfire survival plan. Don’t just stick it on the fridge, sit down and talk about it with the entire family. And make sure you have the ‘Hazards Near Me’ app on your phone so you can keep up to date on incidents near you.
“Being prepared makes all the difference.”
