Under the uniform is a PSO who cares about YOU

PSO Week was celebrated from 17 - 21 March 2025, recognising the selfless work of Peer Support Officers (PSOs) who work behind the scenes to support the wellbeing of their colleagues at QFD. 

PSOs volunteer their time to provide confidential psychosocial support to our members who may be experiencing challenges in their work or personal life. Due to the confidential and discreet nature of peer support, the work of PSOs is often under-recognised.

PSO Week is a time to acknowledge their dedication and the emotional toll they sacrificed to help their colleagues in times of hardship.

In 2024, our 147 active PSOs:

• provided individual support to more than 1,200 QFD members
• invested more than 3,700 hours in peer support activities, which include delivering presentations to local groups to raise awareness of the QFD support services and
• responded to 773 critical incidents in support of crews, groups and individuals. 

PSO of the Year awards

Each year during Peer Support Week, we hold the PSO of the Year awards to recognise their efforts. Unfortunately, this year’s event has been postponed due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred. A new date for the awards ceremony will be released soon. 

The 2024 award winners are:

• Tristan Giles (Kirwan, Northern Region, Townsville Division)
• Ashley Bawden (Hendra Station, GBR, Sunshine Coast Division)
• Leisa Wagstaff (Gowrie Little Plains Brigade, South West)
• Mellissa Webb (Greater Brisbane Region)
• Jodie Krammer (Firecom, Greater Brisbane Region)

The Olga Wilson Annual Award is named in honour of Olga Wilson, who bequeathed a sum of money to assist firefighters and their families in times of need. 

Scott Cross, Senior Firefighter, Kirwan Northern Region, Townsville is the winner of the “Olga Wilson PSO of the Year” trophy and bursary.  He has shown up for people in their hardest times, whether that’s supporting them through a traumatic work incident or being an ear to someone who’s having family issues.

About PSOs

When someone needs help, the PSOs are often the first person they talk to, and they will connect the person to the services or support they need. 

They may take calls with QFD members who need support for critical incident and work-related trauma; workload; work relationships and conflict; family relationship and separation concerns; deployment related distress; and grief and loss.