Staff Spotlight – Matt Hawkins

Introduction

We met with Matt in CP Head office as he has recently completed the Baseline Cert III Emergency Response and Rescue qualification.

The reason this is of such interest is that Matt works in the Fire and Rescue Division where he, among other things, is our resident travel expert, known for good reason as Hawkeye.

We wanted to understand how this came about.

What is your professional background?

I have been with CP for 2 years, prior to that I had 10 years in the travel industry. Prior to that I was in hospitality, travel offered a more regular lifestyle.

Then COVID hit. I was one of the lucky ones to keep my job but eventually it needed to change so I applied at Corporate Protection.

Where are you working now?

I am based at Head Office, my title is Operations Coordinator, Fire & Rescue Division.

What are your primary responsibilities?

Onboarding new staff, travel arrangements to and from site. Organising pre-employment medicals, timesheets, ordering uniforms and managing the skills matrix.

What other Corporate Protection sites have you worked?

Currently, I am based in Head office. The reason I did the course was to gain a better understanding of the sites and also exposure to the sites and how they operate. When employees would call regarding site related questions I am able to assist them confidently. The BU Manager, Kevin Waterman used to joke about me taking on some site responsibilities. Until now, my only site exposure was D&A testing at Moolarben, near Mudgee in NSW.

The joke eventually became a reality when the opportunity to take up the course was presented to me, I was very happy to do that but did worry about who would do my job while I was away.

I think the understanding is that I will be able to provide last minute shift coverage so that would mean working at different sites. Only last week I was called to help out (I am the plan!) at one of our mines, on the first day there was a turbo fire in a dump truck, they all lamed me as bad luck.

This will enhance my skills both as an ESO and in my current role.

My only real experience until now had been as a Chief Fire Warden at Head Office!

What do you find most challenging or fulfilling in your role?

I do thrive on being busy and a challenge. Last minute changes, give them to me.

Trouble shooting with my travel background was something I am sued to, finding a solution, sometimes involving thinking outside the box.

And what do you do in your spare time?

I work on a few DIY projects, for example I built a toy box for my niece, restoring old furniture, re-purposing.

I love travel, photography, particularly landscape photography. Hiking, I don’t mind a drink and a dance while hanging out with friends.

 

What would your manager say?

My manager is Kevin Waterman, but he calls me the boss! He would say I know what is going on, I think he would say that no task is too big for me to be given.

Manager comment

Matthew has been the driving force behind the operations support for several years within Corporate Protection Fire and Rescue. He is a great worker, fun to work with, and now a fully-fledged emergency services officer, aka one of us. He has taken all of our complicated tasks, made them look simple, and continues to be someone I admire for his work ethic.