Ms Fiona Williams1
1Northern NSW Helicopter Rescue Service Limited, Broadmeadow, Australia
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (WRHS) is an Australian not-for-profit organisation providing world class aeromedical, search and rescue services to the communities of Northern NSW. The Service partners with NSW Ambulance to deliver this critical service 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
The Service has 45 years of proud history, and operates from three bases in NSW (Tamworth, Belmont, Lismore) in addition to a maintenance and support facility based in Broadmeadow NSW.
The Service employs over 120 employees and 1000 volunteers across Northern NSW. We have a diverse team of pilots, crew, engineers, fundraising and marketing and support administration functions.
The Service has taken a holistic approach to creating a mentally healthy workplace throughout all aspects of employee’s journey from recruitment to retirement. Research shows that employee well-being starts with having a positive and supportive workplace culture and this has been a key starting point.
Throughout the presentation we will share the key initiatives and learnings from our journey including:
- Building effective culture action plans that actually make a difference.
- Developing mental health literacy through education and awareness for employees and leaders.
- Creating a network of support for all employees through Mental Health Peer Support Officers and Leaders.
- Extending support and education to family and friends.
Graham Nickisson will share his own mental health journey after nearly 40 years experience with the Service.
Biography:
Fiona Williams has been the Senior Manager for the Service for the past 4 years and has had a pivotal role to play in building a positive workplace culture and Mental Health Action Plan. Fiona has over 20 years experience in People Strategy leadership roles.
Graham Nickisson joined the Service as a volunteer crewman in 1981. He has performed the roles of Aircrew Officer, Crew Chief and Community Liaison Officer. He has contributed to thousands of missions during his career and we believe Graham to be one of the longest serving civilian Aircrew Officers in Australia.