As part of Public Sector Week which was held 22 – 26 June, the ‘Faces of our Public Sector’ campaign, aimed to recognise and celebrate exemplary employees and volunteers within the Victorian public sector.
Anyone who has made a significant contribution to the Victorian community, at any level in the public sector as an employee or a volunteer could be nominated to be included in the Faces of our Public Sector campaign.
Jenna Kelley who is a CFA volunteer for over ten years took home the title. Jenna is the founder of the Walking Forward Disaster Relief Team (WFDRT). Her team assist equine and pet owners in need prior to predicted “bad” days and in times of need during disasters. WFDRT provides services such as but not limited to:
- Equine and human accommodation
- Transportation of goods and animals
- First aid/veterinary supplies
- Food / feed donations (human and animal)
- Animal and fauna rescue
- Free psychological first aid, aiding individuals and communities with stronger resilience & recovery before, during & after a disaster.
Further to her great work with WFDRT Jenna also received the National Emergency Medal for her work during the 2009 Vic Fires.
Jenna was presented the certificate and the $500 voucher this afternoon at Emergency Management Victoria (EMV) by Phil Harbutt Acting Executive Director Performance and Strategy from CFA, Tony Murphy, Deputy Commissioner from EMV and Rachel Cooper CEO from IPAA.
Emergency Management Victoria Deputy Commissioner, Tony Murphy, said “Jenna epitomises the vision of Victorian emergency management to build safer and more resilient communities.”
“I commend Jenna for her work and passion. We are proud to have her as part of the Victorian emergency management sector and the wider public service.”
After receiving her award Jenna said “I am so overwhelmed to be the first person awarded IPAA’s Face of the Public Sector Award. It’s an absolute honour to be recognised for the passion and effort I put in to my roles with the CFA, Red Cross and the WFDRT. I love working with the community and it’s so rewarding and very humbling to be helping animals of all sizes and supporting the community when they’re vulnerable while in an emergency situation. I can’t get the smile off my face I feel so proud today. Thank you IPAA Victoria.”
Congratulations Jenna!
Author: CFA Partnerships and Marketing