Fiona’s Career Supporting WA’s Rescue Helicopter Service
When Fiona O’Farrell (Kendle) graduated from Santa Maria College in 2002, she had already chosen a vocational pathway and was ready to enter the workforce. More than two decades later, that decision has led to a rewarding career supporting one of Western Australia’s most important emergency response services.
Today, Fiona is the Emergency Rescue Helicopter Services (ERHS) Coordinator with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), helping support the service commonly known as RAC Rescue.
Her journey is a reminder that there is no single pathway to a successful career. By embracing opportunities, building her skills and gaining experience across different areas, Fiona has carved out a career that allows her to make a meaningful contribution to the WA community.
Finding Her Path
After leaving Santa Maria, Fiona completed a business traineeship while working full time in property management. She spent two years as a Property Manager’s Assistant, working on government housing portfolios, before moving into retail sales.
A turning point came in 2005 when she sat the Public Service Exam, opening the door to opportunities within the public sector.
Fiona joined DFES in a reception role and, over the next 20 years, progressed through positions spanning Fleet and Equipment Services, Training and Development, Planning and Reporting, and Capability Executive.
Each role helped Fiona build new skills and gain a deeper understanding of the many operational and corporate functions required to support emergency services across WA.
Supporting a Life-Saving Service
Fiona’s current role began as a two-year secondment supporting the establishment of the Bunbury Rescue Helicopter Service.
The opportunity brought together the knowledge and experience she had developed across DFES and allowed her to play a part in establishing an important emergency response capability. She later secured a permanent position and has now worked as ERHS Coordinator for the past 10 years.
“The experience of helping establish and sustain such a critical emergency response capability which saves lives across WA has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.”
The Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service provides vital search, all-hazards rescue and aeromedical services to the WA community. Funded by the State Government, managed by DFES and sponsored by RAC, the service responds to emergencies across the state.
As ERHS Coordinator, Fiona is responsible for operational analysis and administrative coordination across the DFES-managed network. Her work includes financial administration, stakeholder management, Rescue Helicopter Base management and reporting.
While much of her work happens behind the scenes, it contributes to ensuring the service and its crews can be there when Western Australians need them most.
The People Behind Emergency Services
For Fiona, one of the greatest rewards of working in emergency services is the people.
“What I value most is working alongside the dedicated and highly skilled people who make this possible, from our frontline responders to the many professionals working behind the scenes to support ERHS all-hazards rescue operations and deliver critical services to the community.”
Her experience has also extended beyond her substantive roles. Fiona has undertaken on-call positions on the State Duty Roster within the Metropolitan Operations Centre and Pre-Formed Incident Management Teams, supporting incident management across a range of emergency events.
These experiences have given her an appreciation of just how many people, skills and areas of expertise come together when an emergency occurs.
Balancing Career and Family
Alongside her career, Fiona is also raising young children and has been able to return to her role on a part-time basis.
She admits switching between professional responsibilities and family life can sometimes be challenging, particularly when one demands more time than the other.
“Family support and the support of a great workplace and manager make it all possible.”
Finding time to recharge can also be difficult in a busy season of life. When the opportunity arises, Fiona enjoys art classes, catching up with friends for a walk along the river and attending yoga classes.
Balancing Career and Family
Alongside her career, Fiona is also raising young children and has been able to return to her role on a part-time basis.
She admits switching between professional responsibilities and family life can sometimes be challenging, particularly when one demands more time than the other.
“Family support and the support of a great workplace and manager make it all possible.”
Finding time to recharge can also be difficult in a busy season of life. When the opportunity arises, Fiona enjoys art classes, catching up with friends for a walk along the river and attending yoga classes.
Many Pathways into Emergency Services
Fiona’s own career demonstrates the breadth of opportunities available within emergency services. While frontline responders are often the most visible, there are many people working in corporate, operational, administrative and specialist roles to ensure emergency services can function effectively.
Her advice to young women considering the sector is to explore the different possibilities and build relevant skills and experience.
“Emergency services is a dynamic and rewarding sector that offers a wide range of career opportunities. Whether your interests lie in frontline emergency services or corporate roles, there are pathways to suit a variety of skills, interests, and strengths.”
She encourages students to consider studies relevant to their area of interest, seek experience in similar roles and develop an understanding of the public sector recruitment process.
From the beginning of her career through a vocational pathway to now supporting a service that helps save lives across Western Australia, Fiona’s story shows where curiosity, experience and a willingness to embrace new opportunities can lead.
- alumni careers, career in emergency services WA, Class of 2002, DFES careers, Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service, RAC Rescue, Santa Maria College alumni, women in emergency services, Women in Leadership
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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