Emma King was a career nurse until a Changemakers course helped unearth her true passion.

The 2024 Leadership Wimmera graduate has since switched careers, grown new confidence and recently taken on a national role in emergency management.

No stranger to working in a busy, often challenging environment, Ms King decided to develop her own leadership skills outside of work. 

Formerly from Darwin, Ms King had been in Horsham for two years before the course and said while she had friends from work and was volunteering with CFA, her friendship circle was narrow.

“My initial goal with Changemakers was to step into the leadership space and learn about that, but as I found out I learned more about myself,” she said.

“I realised what I liked to do was help people and that this did not have to be done in a nursing role.”

After graduating, Ms King began a seasonal job with Forest Fire Management Victoria as a fire support officer.

“I never in my wildest dreams thought I would ever leave nursing, but then I realised emergency management was my passion,” she said.

Ms King has now been selected from more than 200 applicants for a national support and connection role with not-for-profit organisation AFAC – the Australian and New Zealand National Council for Fire, Emergency Services and Land Management, and while it involves days working in the Wimmera and Melbourne, she remains an active CFA volunteer.

 “I am Horsham brigade’s 4th Lieutenant, where I look after all things personal protective clothing as well as our juniors,” she said.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to have completed CFA leadership courses and taken on some other leadership roles within CFA.

 “Changemakers gave me a newfound confidence – I’ve stepped into mentoring emerging young leaders, volunteer instructing and am co-leading this year’s West Region Challenge Camp, all of which I previously would not have done.

“I have also learned how to be more strategic and impactful in the way I communicate with others.”

The Leadership Wimmera participant has also expanded her social circle with many strong friendships formed across the region.

“It has been great meeting new people from different walks of life through Changemakers and we still regularly catch up for coffee,” she said.

“I encourage people to just do it. When I first joined the CFA and was unsure of my capabilities my captain said to me ‘just have a crack,’ and that’s exactly what I did.”

• Applications for Leadership Wimmera’s Changemakers course are now open. People can find out more at wsm.org.au/projects-and-programs/leadership.

The entire May 27, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire May 27, 2026 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!