Staff Spotlight – Cindy Mintern-Lane

Meet Cindy, a valued member of our UniSC security team. Bringing experience from law enforcement and private investigations, Cindy is known for her enthusiasm, professionalism, and commitment to continuous learning. Always willing to support her team and take on new challenges, she has become a trusted and reliable member of the site. Here’s what she had to say about her career and interests outside of work.

What is your professional background?
My professional background is in law enforcement. I began my career with Victoria Police before transitioning into private investigation work. Prior to this, I worked as a Geologist within the Petroleum Development Unit at the Department of Natural Resources and Environment.

Where are you working now?
I am currently working at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) in a security capacity, contracted through Corporate Protection Australia (CPA).

What are your primary responsibilities?
I am employed as a Control Room Officer with SafeUniSC Security. My primary responsibilities include liaising with staff, students, contractors, and tenants across two main UniSC campuses and nine off campus sites.  I also act as a shift supervisor, manage access control (including issuing hard keys), and monitor CCTV systems for security purposes.

Additionally, I oversee the safety and movements of Security Officers, monitor site alarms and emergency activations, and maintain accurate logs, records, and reports of daily activities. My role involves dispatching jobs to field officers, liaising with emergency services personnel, and producing detailed incident reports.

I regularly utilise security platforms such as Gallagher (1200 + doors), Resolver, Avigilon (850+ cameras), SafeZone, ProKey Manager 8, and Microsoft Teams. I ensure compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and consistently work to meet key performance indicators (KPIs). I am also trained as a Fire Warden and First Aid Officer.

What other Corporate Protection sites have you worked at?
During my time with Corporate Protection Australia, I have primarily worked across UniSC locations, including the Thompson Institute (Neuroscience) in Birtinya, the main campus at Sippy Downs, and once at the Moreton Bay Campus in Petrie.

What do you find most challenging or fulfilling in your role?
I thoroughly enjoy my role, particularly the variety and unpredictability that each day can bring. I thrive on problem-solving and value the strong customer service aspect of the position, as it allows me to engage with staff, students, and the wider community.

I find a strong sense of purpose in my work and take great satisfaction in assisting, supporting, and training fellow officers as they develop in their roles. The UniSC Sippy Downs campus offers a welcoming and positive work environment, further enhanced by its beautiful natural surroundings as a designated nature reserve.

At times, the role can be challenging—particularly when managing multiple incidents simultaneously, such as a fire alarm on one campus, a medical emergency at another, and incoming calls for general enquiries and assistance. In these situations, my responsibility is to remain calm under pressure, effectively problem-solve, and prioritise and delegate tasks to ensure the best possible outcomes.

What do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I enjoy making the most of the Sunshine Coast lifestyle, particularly spending time at the beach. I am a keen swimmer and keep fit by swimming regularly at the pool.

I also enjoy walking, spending time with my dog, Dusty, and of course, a bit of shopping. Socialising with friends is important to me, but most of all, I value quality time with my partner — including a weekly date night.