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Tara Timperley

from Gym receptionist to Firefighter
I respond to fires, accidents and other incidents where there are risks to people or property
Industry
Defence and Public Safety
Company
Queensland Fire Department (QFD)
Job Level
Mid

Ask me about

  • How I got physically and mentally ready for the job
  • What it’s like working in a male-dominated field
  • The parts of firefighting I love the most
  • What I’d say to girls thinking about becoming a firefighter

About me

All through school, I was known as the sporty kid, I won age champion every year and just loved being active. I always knew I wanted to do something sport or exercise related when I finished school, but I had no idea exactly what that would be. I went to university and studied a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science, but even by the end of my degree, I still didn’t know what I wanted to do. After uni, I worked as an Insurance Case Manager at WorkCover QLD. It was a full-time desk job, and I quickly realised it wasn’t for me—I missed being active and doing something more hands-on. My dad was a firefighter, and I started thinking how cool it would be to have a job where I could help people and stay fit at the same time. So I applied to become a firefighter, and I was lucky enough to get in on my first go! Now I honestly couldn’t imagine doing anything else. It’s the perfect job for me—I get to work as part of a team, stay physically active, and make a real difference every day.

About my role

  • Focused
  • Logical
  • Perfectionist
  • Practical
  • Sociable

No day is ever the same for a firefighter. They respond quickly to a wide range of incidents, including fires, traffic accidents, hazardous material emergencies, floods, rescues from heights, medical emergencies, and more. Firefighters also engage with the community by visiting schools to teach fire safety and inspecting businesses to ensure fire compliance. When responding to a call, firefighters work under the direction of their station officer and operate as a team to complete the task at hand. They may also work alongside police and ambulance officers, depending on the situation. To remain ready for any challenge, firefighters regularly participate in station training and maintain a high level of physical fitness.

Education

  • Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science
  • Graduate Diploma of Occupational Health and Safety
  • Certificate IV Training and Assessment
  • Certificate III in Public Safety (Firefighting and Emergency Operations)

Subjects

  • Biology
  • English
  • Health & Human Development
  • Mathematical Methods (Maths B)
  • Physical Education
  • Science

Awards

  • The Commissioner's Award Dux of Recruit Course

Hobbies

  • Camping
  • Gardening
  • Gym
  • Running
  • Travel

Pets

  • 2 Dog

15 year old me!!

“Follow what excites you, don’t fear mistakes. Believe in yourself, stay confident, and trust that the right path will come”

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. Studied Exercise Science at uni
  2. Worked in an office job
  3. Studied WHS at uni
  4. Became an Aviation Rescue Firefighter
  5. Landed my dream job as a QFD Firefighter

My typical day

My employer

At the Queensland Fire Department (QFD), we’re proud to protect and serve communities across the state - responding to emergencies, managing disasters, and leading fire prevention efforts. Formerly known as Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), QFD was established in 2024 to strengthen our state’s emergency response and disaster resilience through reform and innovation. Our people are our greatest strength, and we’re committed to creating an inclusive, respectful workplace where everyone belongs and thrives. If you’re driven by purpose and looking to grow in a career that supports Queenslanders when it matters most, QFD could be the place for you. Our values: respect, integrity, courage, loyalty and trust - guide everything we do.