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Our people

FSCU continues to be led by dedicated firefighters like you

Today, FSCU continues to be led by dedicated firefighters like you. Several of our Board of Directors are operational firefighters elected by members like yourself. Your membership grants you voting rights, making you a valued part-owner.

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Why us

Meet the Board of Directors

Adam Waller

Chairman

Appointed Chairman November 2025

Adam serves as a Station Officer with the Metropolitan Fire Service and is an educator at the University of Adelaide, bringing a wealth of experience across public administration, policing, and private industry. As a dedicated member of the Risk Committee and a Director of the Fire Service Fund, Adam has a multifaceted professional background. He holds credentials as a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Member of the Australian Institute of Project Managers, and possesses advanced degrees including a Master of Business Administration and Master of Project Management (Contract Management) from the University of South Australia. Additionally, Adam has earned qualifications in public safety, holding a Diploma of Public Safety, and is certified in training and assessment with a Cert 4 accreditation

Lisa Lew

Deputy Chairman
Risk Committee Chairman

Appointed Deputy Chairman November 2025

For the last seven years, Lisa has served as an out-posted Business Manager from the South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission, working with both the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service and the South Australian Country Fire Service. In her capacity as Business Manager, Lisa collaborates closely with Executive and Senior Managers, offering expert financial management guidance. Her responsibilities include overseeing quarterly reviews, as well as managing both operating and capital budgets. Lisa holds esteemed qualifications, including being a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA), and she has earned a Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Laws, and Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Adelaide.

Paul Fletcher

Board Director
Former Deputy Chief Officer

Appointed to the Board March 2011
Appointed Chairman October 2015

Paul, born in England, received his formative education there before embarking on a six-year tenure as an Engineering Officer in the Merchant Navy. Since immigrating to Australia in 1981, he dedicated over 33 years to the SAMFS, retiring as the Deputy Chief Officer. With a Masters Degree in Leadership and Management, Paul is a Graduate of the Institute of Fire Engineers and remains actively engaged in professional development initiatives. Married with two daughters and three grandchildren, he finds joy in motorcycle riding and sea fishing.

Jeffrey Swann

Board Director
Remuneration Committee Chairman

Appointed to the Board in March 2011

Jeff wears many hats as a member of the Audit Committee, Remuneration Committee, and deputy Chairman since October 2015. He kicked off his career in the Automotive Industry as a mechanic and gradually climbed the ladder, eventually serving as Managing Director for over 20 years. With a diverse background spanning small business, automotive services, education, and public safety, Jeff brings a wealth of experience to the table. He holds a Cert 4 in management and a Diploma of Business Management. Currently, Jeff serves as Chief Officer with the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service.

Noel Johnson

Board Director

Appointed to the Board March 2005

Noel currently serves as a member of both the Audit Committee and the Risk Committee. Since July 1998, he has held the position of Manager at The Fire Service Fund. Prior to this, Noel held the esteemed role of State Executive Officer at the Australian Institute of Banking and Finance, where he earned a Life Membership. With a remarkable career spanning 33 years in the banking sector, Noel’s journey began with the former State Bank of SA, later transitioning to Bank SA. During his tenure, he dedicated 25 years to serving rural South Australia, completing his banking service as a Senior Branch Manager. Noel is recognised as a Fellow of the Institute of Public Accountants.

Mahen Fernando

Board Member
Chairman of the Audit Committee

Appointed to the Board November 2024

Mahen is currently serving as an out-posted Business Manager for the South Australian Fire and Emergency Commission, where he has worked for the past three years, collaborating with both the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service and the South Australian Country Fire Service. Over the course of his career, he has held roles across multiple government departments, gaining 12 years of experience in government finance. His experience includes contributing to Shared Services, SA Health, and Primary Industries Regions SA.

In his current position, Mahen works closely with Executives and Senior Managers, providing high-quality financial management and strategic advice. His responsibilities include overseeing and managing both operating and capital budgets, as well as preparing and presenting solutions-based reports to departmental heads for informed decision-making.

Avril Tajnikar

Board Director

Appointed to the Board April 2026

Avril is currently serving as an out-posted Business Manager with the South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission where she has worked with both the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service and the South Australian Country Fire Service. Avril has previously held multiple roles within the private sector across a variety of industries. Her experiences include working as a Finance Officer and member of the management team for a private entity in the environmental services industry, as an analyst within the early learning industry and various accounting roles within a public practice firm. Across these roles she has gained experience working with multiple stakeholders, advisors and executives, providing strategic advice and financial direction. Avril holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) from the University of Adelaide and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Wayne Thomas

Board Director

Appointed to the Board April 2026

Wayne joins the board after a 30-year career in professional services with Deloitte, working in Australia, the UK, Russia and most recently the Middle East where he was part of the firm’s executive team and led the Financial Advisory practice across the region. With a background in M&A and due diligence, Wayne has significant business, financial and leadership experience. He is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand and holds a Graduate Diploma in Finance & Investment from the Securities Institute of Australia and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Adelaide.

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Meet our friendly staff

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Dave Gilbert
Chief Executive Officer
Darryl Macauley
Chief Financial Officer
Karen Plunkett
Risk & Compliance Manager
Maria Arena
Senior Loans Officer
Gaye McKee
Loans Officer
Livia Bruno
Loans Officer
Anastasia Antoniou
Member Service Officer
Michelle Dawes
Member Service Officer
Temara Grove
Member Service Officer
Kelly Plunkett
Member Service Officer
Inarra Thomson
Member Service Officer
Jordan Fazulla
Member Service Officer

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