Paul Gleeson

About

Paul has spent his life exploring our lands and oceans, culminating in him being able to provide a continuing yaan with many layers sharing his fascinating experiences. Working with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service as a Discovery Ranger since 2003 and in the NSW Rural Fire Service, Paul has been privileged to go to places that no one else has seen. Everywhere that he goes, he takes keen observation of his surroundings to continue to add to his “walk and teach” journeys. Paul has had... Paul has spent his life exploring our lands and oceans, culminating in him being able to provide a continuing yaan with many layers sharing his fascinating experiences. Working with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service as a Discovery Ranger since 2003 and in the NSW Rural Fire Service, Paul has been privileged to go to places that no one else has seen. Everywhere that he goes, he takes keen observation of his surroundings to continue to add to his “walk and teach” journeys. Paul has had a long history with Aboriginal Community, with many Aboriginal members in his footy team in the 80s, working alongside Aboriginal staff NSW National Parks for the past twenty years, and marrying into Aboriginal Community. He has also researched widely for the Aboriginal Cultural Education that he provides alongside Community members for NSW Parks. In addition to his role in forestry, these positions have given a strong knowledge base and insight into Culture and Country and how best to be an ally to Aboriginal communities in making sure organisations understand more about Culture here. Paul has been with the NSW Fire Service for over 35 years, including two years as Manyana Fire Brigade Captain and 26 years as a Group Captain with 6 other brigades. This role has seen him work in over 30 national parks across NSW and Victoria and manage firefighting resources in the 1994 fires in Buladelah, 2002/2003 fires in Thredbo, the 2019/2020 fires closer to home in Shoalhaven, and many others. From 2001 to 2020, Paul was also a State Forest Fire Tower Operator. As he describes, “when you sit in one place all day, nature becomes used to you being there, and you get to see the most extraordinary things”. Amongst his many highlights, he’s seen falcons teaching their young how to hunt and tiger snakes going about their day. Paul has had a lifelong interest in the great outdoors. As a young child, he was given the book “Paul - The Hero Of The Fire” which has stayed with him to this day, and he was always outside bushwalking and collecting reptiles throughout his school years. He has been surfing in Yuin Country since the 1960s and made the permanent move here in the mid-1980s. A keen surfer for over 55 years, the ocean remains the one true place that allows him to fully zone out. He now loves weaving together his wisdom and experiences for everyone who comes to this region. From interpreting Aboriginal culture to ecology to observations about the local flora and fauna, he is able to build a story with multiple layers to tailor to the passions and interests of his audience. His work as a Discovery Ranger provides countless opportunities to teach and learn more with a diverse range of participants. Next time you are in Yuin Country, he invites you to join him to have a yaan. Read more

Languages

English

Therapies

Education and training

Enterprise Skills Trainer and Assessor - NSW Rural Fire Service (2020) Registered Level 2 Incident Controller - Emergency Management Professionalisation Scheme (2019) 22262VIC Course in Reptile and Venomous Snake Control - Skills Connection (2014) TAFE Statement in Partnering with Aboriginal Communities - Illawarra Institute - TAFE (2011) SIT30507 Certificate III in Tourism (Guiding) - Northern Sydney Institute - TAFE (2009) Course in Ecological Studies - New South Wales Technical and Further Education Commission - TAFE (1999) 1324 Statement of Attainment in Environmental Management (Open Training and Education Network (1998) Citations and Awards NSW Premier's Bushfire Emergency Citation - Group Captain Paul Gleeson AFSM NSW Rural Fire Service (2019-2020) The Government of NSW awarded to Paul Gleeson - 2001-2002 Bushfire Campaign The NSW Emergency Services Wilderness Navigation Shield - Navigate 92 - Shoalhaven Bushfire Brigarde Rafft