Paul has been based in the fire protection, fire fighting and safety industry for more than twenty five years and is qualified as a fire protection engineer. Paul has also undertaken studies in human behaviour, business management.

Prior to establishing Thurgoona Training Academy in 1994, Paul was actively engaged in and conducted fire drills, rescue and emergency procedures on oil rigs in Bass Strait.
Furthermore, Paul was actively engaged in extensive training for many major organisations and the following lists just a few of these: Esso, Shell Refinery, Pilkington ICI, Alcoa, Australian Defence Force, State Electricity Commission of Victoria, G.M.H, Ford Motor Company, Major Hospitals in Melbourne & Tasmania.

Paul acted in the capacity of consultant to the Victorian Police Arson Squad and the National Safety Council for several years. Paul is an associate plus member for the Australian Fire Protection Association.

Rita is the Financial Officer and ensures fluidity of the Academy. As well as taking care of invoicing and accounts she is also responsible for wages, purchasing, accommodation, course resources, cleaning and catering.

Rita is a Technical Draftswoman by trade creating the technical drawings for landmarks like the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.

Prior to starting the Academy with Husband Paul she worked in the field of fire suppression and protection for Wormald

She enjoys family, creativity and makes it her business to ensure the day to day operations of the Academy run smoothly.

Shawn brings over 25 years of expertise in Training and Assessment, making him a seasoned professional in delivering high-quality education and practical skills development. With extensive experience in RTO management and compliance, Shawn ensures that all training meets rigorous standards while fostering a supportive and efficient learning environment.

A skilled customer liaison, Shawn excels at building strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs, and tailoring training solutions to meet workplace demands. As a subject matter expert in confined space and working at heights, he provides in-depth knowledge and practical training that empowers learners to perform safely and confidently in high-risk environments.

Shawn’s commitment to excellence and passion for education makes him an invaluable asset to our training organisation.

Chris joined Thurgoona Training Academy in 2018 after serving 20 years in the Royal Australian Navy as a Marine Technician. After his postings at sea Chris worked as a Trainer and Assessor for Navy’s Damage Control school involving flooding, firefighting and CBRN defence.

He has a mechanical background with experience as a WHS advisor, maintenance supervisor and Hazardous chemical safety advisor.

The work experiences and job roles he has fulfilled give him a wide breadth of knowledge enhancing the training he delivers here at TTA.

Andrew has been a valued member of our team for over four years, serving as one of our senior instructors. He specializes in training and assessing a range of first aid courses, including Occupational First Aid, and enjoys delivering workplace training in confined space entry, working safely at heights, and fire warden responsibilities.

A dedicated member of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service for 27 years, Andrew has contributed in various roles, including Communications, Crew Leader, Rural Fire Driver, and Air Observer. His extensive experience and commitment to community safety make him an invaluable asset to both his team and the wider community.

Andrew is also a passionate advocate for blood donation. With over 130 blood and plasma donations to his name, he actively encourages others to become Life Blood donors, believing in the vital role this contribution plays in saving lives.

Adam has worked in the Manufacturing industry for over 20 years and the Arts industry as a technician for 15 years.

He has been a member of several Safety Committees aimed at improving working conditions for all employees through innovation and consultation.

Adam is also an active member of the NSW Rural Fire Service.

Stan brings a wealth of experience with his background in Policing, Security, Transport and Medical.

He has extensive experience in dealing with emergency incidents and training personnel, having been a member of the Carrum CFA, Frankston SES, Albury SES ending up as the SES Operations Controller Southern NSW Region and currently an active member of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

Prior to joining TTA , he was the National Security, Risk and Compliance Manager with COPE Sensitive Freight where he conducted internal training sessions in National Heavy Vehicle Laws, Security, he was also the Lead Internal Auditor for COPE.

Jesse is a dedicated member of the Thurgoona Training Academy team, bringing a diverse skill set honed through his work on the Snowy Hydro 2.0 project and a rich background in education, disability support, and safety training.

With over 10 years of experience, Jesse specialises in providing training in a wide range of safety-critical areas, including working at heights, confined spaces, fire extinguisher use, first aid, CPR, low voltage rescue, and more.

Jesse is passionate about delivering high-quality, hands-on training that equips individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to work safely and confidently in various industries.

Jesse is committed to a learner-centred approach, ensuring that his training sessions are not only informative but also practical and engaging. His ability to adapt to the specific needs of his students makes him an asset in diverse learning environments, from classroom settings to on-site training.

Prior to TTA, Alex worked as a critical care EMT providing medical support at motorsport events, whilst working in a medical capacity he has developed a wealth of knowledge and experience in major trauma, high speed impacts and airway management.

Alex is an operational firefighter with Wodonga West CFA, and has been active within the brigade since joining.

Alex has been a valued member of the Thurgoona Training Academy team for over a year, consistently delivering high-quality training and assessment. Known for his competitive spirit and dedication, Alex thrives on learning as much as he teaches, making him a relatable and inspiring instructor. His commitment to excellence has earned him glowing feedback from learners time and time again.

Trish is the newest member of our team. She is a mum of 2 and loves her AFL.
Trish is our receptionist, liaising with clients and customers over the phone, email and face to face. She helps in the invoicing department and food prepping.

Claire has joined the team at TTA and will be one of the first points of contact. Her role includes administration and reception as well as managing the student management system.

Jason is the newest member of the team at Thurgoona Training Academy, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise.

With 25 years of experience in Transport, Logistics, and Manufacturing, Jason has spent the past 15 years as a dedicated Workplace Trainer. His work has focused on conducting worker inductions and providing hands-on skills training in warehouse management systems and various warehouse and manufacturing processes.

Over the years, Jason has honed his professional communication skills, ensuring his training sessions are both engaging and impactful. His approach helps learners stay motivated while mastering new skills. Thurgoona Training Academy is excited to have Jason on board to share his knowledge and passion for workplace development.