The 24/7 MePACS Emergency Response Centre is a hive of activity. Every day, our dedicated Emergency Response Operators will respond to close to 2000 emergency alarm events with more than 60 calls requiring escalation to emergency services.
At the heart of the action is Team Leader, Mary Q. who was recently recognised at Peninsula Health’s Length of Service Awards following 15 years of loyal dedication to MePACS.
Mary, a former bank manager, joined MePACS seeking a new challenge.
“I must admit that when I started, I didn’t think long term or that I’d be here for 15 years,” she confesses. “But the job is incredibly rewarding, and our clients are exceptionally nice and appreciative of the help they receive so that’s a big, big positive.”
Mary began her career at MePACS as an Emergency Response Operator before transitioning to a Team Leader role after a year. Today, she is primarily responsible for rostering but also steps in as an Emergency Response Operator when needed.
“On any given day, there are 21 team members staffing the Emergency Response Centre per shift to cover a 24-hour period, plus three team leaders. It’s very busy, but I like it busy,” she says.
Reflecting on her career, Mary credits her co-workers and clients for making her journey at MePACS so rewarding.
“The people here are wonderful, and I love the fact that we help our clients,” she shares. “We deal with predominantly older people and their gratitude is overwhelming. Hearing them say, ‘thank you so much’ or ‘I appreciate you’, makes our work so worthwhile.”
Outside of work, Mary is a devoted grandmother who enjoys watching her granddaughter play netball. She’s also an avid traveller with a particular fondness for Bali.
“I love Bali – that’s my favourite. I normally go there two or three times a year. We’ve got a European river cruise booked for next year and we were in the States in September last year. I also go to Hervey Bay in Queensland – my sister is up there. So, lots of travelling.”
For those considering a career as an Emergency Response Operator at MePACS, Mary advises, “It’s important to consider if shift work suits you. But if you’re looking for a rewarding job, it’s definitely very fulfilling, especially when it comes to caring for our clients.”