Lacy Lola is a person who loves animals and loves helping her community. Those caring qualities saw her volunteer with the SES in 2014 before becoming the Lismore Unit Commander and now in a NRs role at Goonellabah. When an emergency happens, Lacy is one of the friendly faces you want to see. Maive McKenzie sat down with Lacy to learn her life story.

I was born in Manly, New South Wales, known for having the best rugby team. Growing up, I spent many weekends watching my dad and brother play for Manly Marlins while helping out in the canteen and grew a great love for it.

(This is actually from a 'diary entry' I made when I was little - found post 2017 floods. I have attached the original, but it is a photo of my dad holding me after one of his games in Manly.)

(Lacy at about 5 or 6 with her Mum and one of her brothers)

However, as I entered High School, agriculture really had an impact on me. I was a part of the Richmond High School Agricultural Show Team- showing prize-winning cattle and sheep across NSW and the ACT. There was a strong emphasis on resilience and teamwork, which was ingrained in me from an early age, and would come to define my emergency services career. 

(Showing a Hereford cross steer at Canberra Royal (approx 2005)

My family background displayed diverse careers, with my mum working as a government contractor, my stepdad serving as a Sergeant 1st Class in the US Special Forces, my dad as a corrections officer, and my step-mum showcasing her culinary skills as a chef. These varied influences instilled a deep appreciation for different professions and the value of hard work.

Initially, my career path seemed set on becoming an equine nurse, blending my passion for animals and agriculture. Agriculture and farming had always been such a staple in my life, so working with animals, especially horses, grabbed me immediately. However, juggling early morning shifts at the racing track, studying, and working long hours, I found myself growing weary of the demanding routine.

(Lacy riding Tommy.)

However, a significant life event, with my step-dad's passing, led to my mum’s move to Lismore, and eventually moving here myself in November, 2007.

I fell in love with the place instantly. The people you meet here, the community we have, in a location that can give you a taste of the beach, bush and city in a short ride.

The shift to Lismore brought about a new chapter in my life, steering me towards a path of community service. The move sparked a newfound passion for helping others in times of crisis, leading me to explore opportunities in emergency services. Despite the challenges of transitioning from veterinary care to a new career focus, I embraced the change with an open heart and a determination to make a difference in my community.

My educational journey is as diverse as my career path. My experience within the NSW SES saw me gain an interest in law enforcement and attend Charles Sturt University. This blend of academic and career-oriented pursuits equipped me with a unique set of skills and perspectives, which later brought me to my being employed by the NSW SES as an Operations Readiness Officer.

(a selfie in a flood boat during training)

Before finding my calling with the SES, I had a variety of jobs that added to my rich tapestry of experiences.

I joined the Lismore Workers Club in 2014, where I took on roles as a bartender and worked my way up to Supervisor and then to Duty Manager. These positions honed my interpersonal skills, teaching me how to manage stressful situations and connect with people from all walks of life. Each job, in its way, prepared me for the multifaceted demands of emergency service work.

The State Emergency Service appealed to me for several reasons. The diverse range of opportunities within the SES intrigued me, offering a dynamic and challenging environment where no two days were the same. This variety promised a career that was both fulfilling and constantly evolving. The comprehensive training provided to SES members was another significant factor. It promised not only personal growth but also the ability to make a tangible difference in my community. The combination of these factors made the SES an attractive career choice.

My journey with the SES, starting in 2014 as a volunteer with the Lismore City unit, has been marked by numerous challenges and impactful moments. Each call-out and emergency situation has tested my skills and resolve, pushing me to grow as a leader and an individual. Despite the inherent difficulties, I have found immense satisfaction in being able to assist those in need and being part of a strong team. The ability to provide comfort and aid during crises has reinforced my commitment to the SES and its mission.



(Lacy and the SES mascot 'Paddy the Platypus')

My role in the SES and becoming Unit Commander in 2020-2022, has also brought about significant personal growth. The rigorous training and diverse experiences have equipped me with a wide range of skills, from emergency response techniques to leadership and teamwork. The sense of accomplishment that comes from successfully navigating complex situations and helping others is a constant source of motivation for me.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work with the SES is the sense of community it fosters. Being part of a dedicated team that shares a common goal of serving and protecting the community has been incredibly fulfilling. The camaraderie and mutual support among SES members create a strong sense of belonging and purpose. This environment has allowed me to build lasting relationships and develop a deep sense of loyalty to the team and the community we serve. 

However, one of the most demanding aspects of this work with the SES has been responding to floods, a recurring natural disaster in Lismore. These situations have not only tested my physical and logistical capabilities but also taken an emotional toll on both the SES members and the broader community.

Flood responses are often chaotic and require quick thinking, efficient coordination, and a high level of preparedness. The emotional weight of seeing families displaced, properties destroyed, and lives disrupted can be immense. Despite these challenges, we remained steadfast, finding strength in our commitment to assist those in need. However, while grief was rampant after the loss of homes and businesses, specifically after the 2017 and 2022 floods, many turned their anger to the SES volunteers, some even spitting on them in 2017. Being someone who is protective over my team, this was hard to grapple with.



(Undertaking cave rescue training at Wellington Caves in 2017)

Yet, working with the SES has profoundly impacted my perspective on life and community service. It has broadened my understanding of the diverse communities within Lismore and highlighted the crucial role of volunteering. Through my experiences, I have seen firsthand the importance of coming together in times of crisis and the powerful difference that dedicated volunteers can make. This realisation has reinforced my belief in the value of helping others and strengthened her resolve to continue serving her community.

Throughout my career, I have accumulated a wealth of memorable moments and rewarding experiences. One of the highlights has been the friendships and connections I have formed with fellow SES members and community residents. These relationships have been a source of support and camaraderie, making the demanding nature of emergency service work more bearable and fulfilling. Additionally, I take great pride in witnessing the growth and development of new SES members. Seeing them acquire essential skills and evolve into valuable assets for the community has been immensely satisfying.

(In Deniliquin as a Beacon Operator, monitoring the jobs coming in during the 2023 flood events across western and southern NSW)

My leadership abilities have also been a significant aspect of my SES journey. Serving as Unit Commander required me to demonstrate strong organisational and leadership skills. In this capacity, I was responsible for coordinating response efforts, managing resources, and ensuring the safety and effectiveness of my team. 

The sense of accomplishment that comes from successful search and rescue operations is another rewarding aspect of this work. Finding missing persons during search operations is particularly gratifying, providing a sense of closure and relief to affected families. These successful missions underscore the vital role that the SES plays in the community and the profound impact that dedicated service can have on individuals’ lives.

While I have taken a position in Goonellabah and handed the Unit Commander hat over, Lismore still has such a strong place in my heart as I continue to volunteer there.

(Lacy's nephew & Lacy from when I was nominated for 2023 Lismore Citizen of the Year during the Australia Day Awards)

If anyone were to ask me if they should join or volunteer, I wouldn't hesitate to say yes. I’ve learned and grown to be both a part of a team but also to be closer within our community. There are so many options within the SES, whether you want to work in administration or go out and get your hands dirty, so if you're thinking about doing it, then do it. I did, and I have no regrets.