Deputy Group Leader of the State Emergency Service Mackay Regional Unit, Nicole Pasquale, assists with community education and disaster awareness events.
Nicole is a teacher by trade when she is not donning the orange, working for three high schools around the Mackay region.
A couple of years ago, Nicole, alongside her colleagues JoAnn, Brenton and Jody, began an educational video series for their Facebook page to inform the community about preparing for storm season.
Since then, the series has gained major traction. This allowed the team to make videos regularly, with SES groups across Queensland now using the videos to help with their own promotion and community awareness.
“The videos have been received very well. Some have mentioned that they've been able to do things for themselves, which is really good because that's what we're aiming for,” Nicole stated.
Nicole’s favourite videos to film were the originals, when the teams’ acting skills were a little rusty and scripts were a work-in-progress, with blooper reels to enjoy the humour behind serious topics.
The next videos will feature cyclone preparation tactics and information on a new mentorship initiative, allowing volunteers to work with flood boats.
Nicole was a victim of Cyclone Debbie, before she became a volunteer. This event encouraged her passion to give back to the community in ways she couldn’t previously.
“I cleaned up my school, cleaned up my house. I couldn't do any more to help the community because I just didn't have any training to be able to help out that way.
“The skills are things you can put into action yourself, as well as when you're out in the community which is just amazing,” Nicole said.
Nicole has trained in a variety of areas. Her favourite skills she has learnt so far is operating a flood boat and trailer reversing, both in which she had never done prior to her SES training.
Recently, Nicole was awarded a Runner Up plaque for the Ministers Cup in Brisbane, which she was anonymously nominated for.
Nicole’s favourite part of being a member of the SES? ‘Friendship with like-minded volunteers, teamwork, and camaraderie.’
To prepare yourself for storm season, check out Nicole’s work in creating these educational videos at facebook.com/mackaySES
Nicole Pasquale alongside the Public Education Unit
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