Paul brings over 25 years of experience in the fire protection, firefighting, and safety industry and is a qualified Fire Protection Engineer. With additional studies in human behaviour and business management, Paul combines technical expertise with strategic insight, making him a respected leader in the industry.

Before founding Thurgoona Training Academy in 1994, Paul played a critical role in conducting fire drills, rescue operations, and emergency procedures on oil rigs in Bass Strait. His extensive training experience spans major organisations, including Esso, Shell Refinery, Pilkington ICI, Alcoa, the Australian Defence Force, State Electricity Commission of Victoria, G.M.H, Ford Motor Company, and several major hospitals across Melbourne and Tasmania.

Paul has also served as a consultant to the Victorian Police Arson Squad and the National Safety Council, contributing his expertise in fire investigation and safety strategies. As an Associate Plus Member of the Australian Fire Protection Association, Paul remains actively engaged in advancing fire safety standards.

His deep industry knowledge, commitment to safety, and dedication to high-quality training continue to shape the Academy’s mission and impact.

Rita is the Financial Officer at Thurgoona Training Academy, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation of the Academy. She oversees all financial processes, including invoicing, accounts, and wages, while also managing purchasing, accommodation bookings, course resources, cleaning, and catering—keeping every aspect of the Academy running seamlessly.

A Technical Draftswoman by trade, Rita’s skills have been instrumental in creating technical drawings for major landmarks like the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. Before co-founding the Academy with her husband Paul, she worked in the fire suppression and protection industry with Wormald, further expanding her expertise in safety and operations.

Rita’s passion for family and creativity shines through in everything she does. Her dedication to detail and commitment to excellence ensure that the day-to-day operations of the Academy are efficient and effective, fostering a welcoming and organised environment for staff and learners alike.

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 is an experienced Trainer and Assessor who delivers a variety of training programs, including Confined Space Entry, Working at Heights, Isolation & Lockout, Overhead Spotters, and First Aid & CPR. With over 20 years in the Manufacturing industry and 15 years as a Technician in the Arts industry, he brings a diverse skill set and practical insights to his training.

Adam has actively contributed to several Safety Committees, focusing on improving workplace conditions through innovation and consultation. He is also a dedicated member of the NSW Rural Fire Service, bringing real-world emergency response experience to his training sessions.

His hands-on approach and commitment to safety ensure that learners gain both technical knowledge and the confidence to apply it in real-world situations.

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.

Alex brings a strong background in emergency medical care and firefighting to his role as a Trainer and Assessor. Prior to joining TTA, he worked as a Critical Care EMT, providing medical support at motorsport events, where he gained extensive experience in major trauma, high-speed impacts, and airway management.

An active operational firefighter with the Wodonga West CFA, Alex continues to contribute to his community while sharpening his emergency response skills.

For over a year, Alex has been a valued member of the Thurgoona Training Academy team, consistently delivering high-quality training and assessment. Known for his competitive spirit, dedication, and learner-focused approach, Alex thrives on both teaching and continuous learning, earning frequent praise from his students for his engaging and relatable style.

Jason is a highly experienced member of the Thurgoona Training Academy team, bringing over 25 years of expertise in Transport, Logistics, and Manufacturing, including 15 years as a dedicated Workplace Trainer. His focus has been on worker inductions and hands-on skills training in warehouse management systems and various warehouse and manufacturing processes.

Known for his strong communication skills, Jason delivers training that is both engaging and impactful, helping learners stay motivated while building practical, job-ready skills. His commitment to fostering workplace development makes him a valuable asset to the team and a trusted guide for learners.

Keith recently relocated from Queensland to Victoria to be closer to family. He brings over 20 years of coal mining industry experience, where he spent 10 years operating heavy machinery and another 10 years as a Trainer and Assessor, specialising in teaching safe and effective equipment operation. During his time in the mining sector, he was also actively involved in Mines Rescue for 5 years, earning a Certificate III in Mine Emergency Response and Rescue.

For the past 4 years, Keith has worked within an RTO environment, delivering training in Confined Space Entry, Working at Heights, White Card, First Aid & CPR, and various coal mining industry-related courses.

Originally from a rural background on cattle properties in Queensland, Keith brings a strong work ethic and a practical approach to training. He is passionate about sharing his skills and knowledge to ensure learners gain both competence and confidence.

In his spare time, he enjoys riding his Harley and watching NRL football.

Trish is a valued member of our team, bringing her warm personality and strong organisational skills to her role as Receptionist. A proud mum of two and passionate AFL fan, Trish thrives in fast-paced environments and enjoys connecting with people.

In her role, Trish is the first point of contact for clients and customers, managing communication across phone, email, and face-to-face interactions. She also supports the invoicing department and plays a key role in food preparation for our training sessions, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

Her friendly approach and attention to detail make her an invaluable part of the team, helping create a welcoming and efficient environment for both staff and learners.

Claire is a key member of the Thurgoona Training Academy team and often one of the first points of contact for clients, students, and visitors. She plays a vital role in managing administration and reception duties while also overseeing the Student Management System, ensuring accurate records and smooth operations.

Known for her attention to detail and efficient workflow, Claire helps keep the day-to-day activities running seamlessly. Her friendly demeanor and strong organisational skills make her an essential part of the team, providing excellent support to both staff and learners.