Sofia Furlanetto is an Allied Health Assistant with the Transitional Aged Care Program in Queanbeyan. She’s also a dedicated member of the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS)
In 2024, she was deployed to Victoria as part of the South Eastern Area Command Strike Team Alpha. At the recent RFS Lake George Medal Ceremony, Sofia and her team received the Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation (Unit) for their efforts.
Sofia is one of many Southern staff who volunteer their time and skills to support their communities in times of need. We spoke with her about her experience.
How did you get involved with the RFS?
“In 2017, while I was in Year 9 at Queanbeyan High School, I took part in a weeklong cadet program. That experience really sparked my interest in joining the Ridgeway Brigade. I officially joined in 2018 after completing the application process.”
How did your deployment to Victoria come about?
“I was at work when I received a page in the mid-morning. I agreed to go and let my captain know I was available. Fire Com contacted me and told me to pack and be ready to leave at 7am the next morning. It was a 12-hour drive to Ballarat with several rest stops. I packed my toiletries, personal protective clothing (PPC) and equipment (PPE), spoke with my boss and colleagues, and let my family know I was heading off.”
What was the experience like on the ground?
“We slept in tents with stretcher beds and warm blankets, but it was hard to sleep with all the snoring around me! We were well fed by the food van, especially at lunch.
“Before we were called out to the fire in Ballarat, we were getting a bit cranky waiting around. Then, during dinner, our Group Captain told us to get to the trucks. We were deployed to the Dereel Fire, where we helped protect about 20 homes and the community hall in a village of around 100 houses. It was my first major fire.
“The adrenaline was overwhelming. I was told to protect the left side of a house with a hose. The most memorable part was being thanked by the locals for our help.”
How do you balance your work at Queanbeyan Hospital with volunteering for the RFS?
“I’m committed to both roles and try to prioritise carefully. My workplace has been really supportive and flexible, especially when I need to respond quickly to emergencies.”
What did it mean to receive the Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation?
“It was a great honour. The award recognises not just my efforts, but the hard work and dedication of the whole crew. I’m proud to stand alongside such passionate people who are always ready to help the community.”
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