Dec 3, 2024
On this weeks podcast, I speak with NSW Rural Fire Service Area
Commander
Southwestern Chief Superintendent Kelwyn White. Kelwyn commenced
her service
with the NSW Rural Fire Service in 2002 and, since then has worked
across NSW in
District, State, and Area-based roles. Kelwyn has been both a
salaried officer and a
volunteer during her service. Kelwyn's commitment,
especially in Community Risk &
Community Engagement, is held in the highest regard by her peers
and the
community. Kelwyn continues to be a proud advocate for engaged
communities,
playing a significant leadership and mentoring role in this field
to NSW RFS
membership and the community.
Kelwyn is passionate about sharing her knowledge to help others
achieve their
desired outcomes, as a keen advocate for training, she gives her
time to develop
others.
When Kelwyn commenced with the RFS, she started in administration
and has
worked her way through the ranks to be one of the 7 Area Commanders
and,
currently the only female in this role. During this time,
Kelwyn has been fortunate to
see the evolution in the way women are seen and operate within the
RFS and is
proud to have been a part of that. Yet knowing that, there is
more to come and is
proud to be in a position to support, encourage and mentor women to
develop into
leadership roles, or simply be the best version of themselves they
can be within
emergency service or their own lives.
As the Area Commander for the Southwestern Area, Kelwyn is
responsible for the
coordinated fire-fighting arrangements across the Area, including
mitigation of
bushfire risks to the community through strategic organisational
programs to reduce
risk to the community from bushfire and other emergencies and
ensuring
communities are engaged, prepared and warned appropriately before
and during an
emergency.
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Kelwyn White
Editor: Kyle Watkins
Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway