Under the uniform is a PSO who cares about YOU

PSO Week was celebrated from 13 - 19 March 2023, recognising the incredible work of Peer Support Officers (PSOs).

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 celebrate and appreciate the valuable role PSOs contribute to the wellbeing of our organisation and our staff and volunteers.

PSO of the Year awards

Each year during Peer Support Week, we hold the PSO of the Year awards to recognise PSOs who have performed their role in an extraordinary and exemplary manner.

The 2023 award winners are:

Andrew Vaughan, Station Officer, Brisbane Region: “Olga Wilson PSO of the Year” trophy and bursary.  Andrew received the award for his extraordinary efforts in supporting the local members and PSO team.  He received 3 nominations from colleagues for his compassionate nature, professional approach and dedication to providing high level support for a wide range of challenging situations.

The following PSOs were also recognised in the 2023 awards:

  • Daniel Rasmussen
  • Kelli Hinton
  • Petina Gledhill
  • Rosi Trencher
  • Belinda Morier
  • Jodee Squire
  • James Gegg
  • Scott Cross
  • Allan Carlson
  • Glennis Kelly
PSO photoPSO Officer winners Daniel Rasmussen and Andrew Vaughan
PSOs Carrollyn Hennessy and Julie CrockerDaniel Rasmussen (PSO Brisbane Region award winner) and Andrew Vaughan (PSO North Coast Region and state-wide PSO of the Year award winner)
Andrew Vaughan (PSO North Coast region and state winner holding trophyA group photo with Commisioner Greg Leach and PSO Officers
Andrew Vaughan (PSO North Coast region and state-wider PSO of the year award winner).Commissioner Leach with Robyn Kirby Manager of Peer Support Program and Brisbane Region PSOs.

About PSOs

Our members access peer support for many reasons, including critical incident and work-related trauma; grief and loss; personal health and family health concerns; and work relationships/conflict.

In 2022, our 179 active PSOs:

  • provided individual support to more than 3355 members
  • invested more than 4809 hours in peer support activities, including delivering presentations to local groups to raise awareness of our support services and responding to 711 critical incidents in support of crews, groups and individuals.

Last updated 27 August 2024