From the salon to the bush, firefighter Sharon Hodges will be front and centre protecting the Sutherland Shire community well into the busy summer months.
The mum-of-four parted who ways with her former career as a hairdresser, is now an on-call firie, joining the fleet of emergency responders at Bundeena Fire Station.
In the role for the past 12 months, is also one of the faces of a new campaign, More than Fire, launched by Fire and Rescue NSW to promote its 2019 recruitment drive.
It is career change that so far has been nothing short of rewarding for the female firie, who is also the ex-manager of the local bowling club.
“I grew up in Bundeena, and my whole family is from here,” she said.
“This is such a rewarding job and it’s been a new challenge that’s given me a new lease on life. It’s one of those areas where you get lots of support and training.”
Mrs Hodges says while being on-call (a retained firefighter), she is ready for the unexpected.
“You need to be prepared for anything,” she said. “I really enjoy community search response, and the medical side of the job. But I was also catching snakes the other day with some of the other girls from the station.
“It is about more than fires – we help people. It’s a great path to get into.”
Applications for the recruitment close November 19.
