Ever wondered what it might be like to be a part of an emergency response team? Over the next few months, we’ll be sharing the stories of some of our National Biosecurity Response Team (NBRT) members to learn more about what it’s like to be part of a group that responds to emergency biosecurity incidents.

In December 2020, we caught up Peta Fissioli from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development WA, who is part of the mentor cohort on the NBRT. NBRT mentors are a group of highly skilled and experienced NBRT members who can provide guidance to less experienced response personnel and perform multiple roles and functions in an emergency response.

1. What’s your experience been like as a member of the NBRT?

I have really enjoyed my ten or so years with the Rapid Response Team and then the NBRT. I have grown professionally and personally from the amazing opportunities and challenges that being an NBRT member has afforded me. I have attended many exercises all over Australia and assisted in responses that stretched my comfort zone in regards to work and personally.

I have also worked alongside some of the best biosecurity response operations staff and teams nationally, and I am so grateful for that experience. It is amazing to go and work in another state and assist in a response, but it is also awesome to arrive and see familiar faces who you know will have your back while you are working in difficult circumstances. Knowing you have trained together and sing from the same book is an awesome feeling. I am now part of the NBRT mentors’ group and enjoy passing on my knowledge to others.

2. If you had to use one word to describe the NBRT, what would it be?

Comradery.

3. What’s something you’ve learnt as a result of being a member of the NBRT?  

That communication and shared situational awareness is key. I have a great toolkit of training and I have integrated my learning from the NBRT training and experiences into my day job and that has assisted me in progression and successfully gaining new roles in my state Department.

4. What is a key highlight you’ve had as a member of the NBRT? 

Over ten years there have been many highlights, but I would say working as an Infected Premises Site Supervisor in a great team on an avian influenza affected farm at Young NSW to improve farmer cooperation, OHS and a successful gate control was a great highlight for me.

5. Now for a fun question – what is your go-to song to get amped up? 

All fired up – Pat Benatar.

Find out more about the NBRT here.