Driving Change: Goulburn's Dedicated Road Safety Advocate

Can you tell us a bit about your career journey and what led you to become a Mobile Speed Camera Operator (MSCO) with G4S? What inspired you to pursue a career in road safety? 

Before G4S I worked in a couple of different galvanizing factories in Sydney, and after that I had my own lawn mowing business for four years, with a mix of big commercial customers and residential work. My family and I were looking for a change of pace and a more rural lifestyle, so we relocated to a small town near Goulburn. I then started at G4S as a Mobile Speed Camera Operator in Goulburn in 2021. 

Road safety has always been something I'm passionate about. If I can slow people down and help them and others drive to their destinations safely, I feel like I’m providing a valuable service to the community.

Can you describe a typical shift? What are the key tasks and responsibilities involved?

A typical shift starts with collecting a deployment vehicle and performing a roadworthiness check. Then, you'll drive to your assigned location, assess the site's safety, and set up necessary signage. During the 3-hour deployment, you'll monitor the speed camera system and enter data into a tablet. Once the deployment ends, you'll either move to a new site or finish your shift by refueling, cleaning, and returning the vehicle. Finally, you'll sign off using the work application.

How does the rostering system work? How does this schedule fit with your lifestyle?

The roster operates 24/7, and as full-time employees, we typically receive our schedules a month in advance. Shifts can range from 8 to 12 hours in length.

One of the great advantages of this system is that the longer shifts often translate into more days off. For example, we generally work an average of 8 shifts per fortnight. So, if you have a busy week with 5 shifts, the following week might only have 3.

Another benefit is that we often have weekdays off, which is perfect for running errands during quieter times or attending appointments without having to take time off. It offers a nice balance between work and personal life.

What aspects do you find most enjoyable?

There are several things I truly love about this role.

• The Variety: The work is incredibly diverse. Being based in Goulburn, which is fairly central, means I could be deployed anywhere from bustling cities to quiet towns, or even out in the vast countryside. It's always an adventure being out and about on the road.
  
• The Driving: I've always had a passion for driving, so the fact that I get to do it as part of my job is fantastic.
  
• The Purpose: Most importantly, I find the work incredibly rewarding. Knowing that I'm contributing to road safety and potentially helping people reach their destinations safely gives me a strong sense of purpose. It's a job where I feel like I'm making a genuine difference in the community.

What are some of the challenges you face in this role, and how do you overcome them?

One of the main challenges can be isolation. You spend a significant portion of your shift alone in the car, so it's crucial to be comfortable in your own company and find ways to keep yourself engaged. I personally bring a tablet loaded with movies, TV shows, and games. I've also met colleagues who utilise the time to study, which is a great way to make productive use of the deployment hours.

Another challenge we occasionally encounter is adverse interactions with members of the public. However, we're never alone in those situations. The Network Operations Centre (NOC) team provides constant support. They'll check in with us if anyone approaches the vehicle, and they're always ready to step in if a situation escalates, even contacting emergency services if necessary. It's reassuring to know that we have that backup.

What opportunities has G4S provided you to grow your career and skills?

I've been fortunate to develop my career in a couple of ways at G4S. Firstly, I joined the Mobile Speed Camera (MSC) Health & Safety Committee, where I review incidents and contribute to discussions on improving our safety protocols. Secondly, I've become a go-to trainer for new Operators, which allows me to share my knowledge and experience, and I find mentoring others very rewarding.

For those based in Sydney, there are additional development pathways within the Ingleburn office. Many of our current NOC Operators, for instance, started their careers as drivers. So there's definitely room for growth and exploration within the company!

In your opinion, what skills and qualities are crucial for someone to excel in this position?

I'd highlight a few key things:

• A Love for Driving: You'll spend a considerable amount of time behind the wheel, so it's important to genuinely enjoy driving.
  
• Self-Sufficiency: Since you'll be working independently in the car, being comfortable in your own company and able to entertain yourself is essential.
  
• Attention to Detail: You need to ensure you're at the correct location, the equipment is set up properly, and all information is accurately recorded in our systems.