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Paula Douglas

from a Jillaroo to Inspector
I manage fire stations and firefighters to ensure they can prevent, respond to, and recover from emergencies, keeping Queensland safe.
Industry
Defence and Public Safety
Company
Queensland Fire Department (QFD)
Job Level
Senior

Ask me about

  • If firefighting was my first preference in emergency services
  • If it was hard to join the fire service
  • What I did in between school and my job with the fire service

About me

  • Regional Background

Growing up in regional Queensland, I didn’t always have a clear idea of what I wanted to do with my future. It felt uncertain – like a blank page. But over time, I realised that not knowing gave me the freedom to explore, to dream big, and to figure out what truly inspired me. When I was 20, I found that inspiration. I realised I felt most alive and purposeful when I was helping others, especially through emergency services. That’s when I took a leap and joined the Queensland Fire Department – and everything started to fall into place.

About my role

  • Analytical
  • Confident
  • Passionate
  • Practical
  • Trusting

An Inspector is a Senior Leader/Officer within Queensland Fire and Rescue, which is a service within the Queensland Fire Department. The role is to manage fire stations and firefighters to ensure they are able to prevent, prepare, and respond to incidents and recover from large scale emergencies, protecting the Queensland community.

Education

  • Diploma of Business Management
  • Diploma of Public Safety (Firefighting Management)
  • Certificate IV in Training and assessment

Subjects

  • Design
  • English
  • General Mathematics (Maths A)
  • Industrial Technology
  • Physical Education
  • Physics
  • Science

Awards

  • International Women’s Day Award; Champion of Change (2021 and 2025)
  • AFAC – People First Award (2024)
  • Australia Day Award (2018 and 2022)
  • QFES Medal (2022)
  • Citation: Commonwealth Games (2018)
  • Citation: Brisbane G20 (2014)
  • Dan Campbell Memorial Shield for Most Improved Firefighter (2007)

Hobbies

  • Camping
  • Cooking
  • Gym
  • Seeing family and friends
  • Travel

Pets

  • 2 Dog

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. Started adult life as a Jillaroo
  2. Finished being a Jillaroo
  3. Got a traineeship at a refinery
  4. Started a career with Fire & Rescue
  5. Promoted to my now role/rank

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.