Zone staff

Paul Metcalfe

District Manager

I was a Manager at Taronga Western Plains zoo for 9 years and prior to that I worked for Newcastle City Council.

As your Fire Control Officer, I oversee the Zone & District and liaise with other agencies and organisations on your behalf.

Whilst the staff here have some specific areas of responsibility, they are all willing and able to help with anything you need; and they are operational so you will hear from them regarding incidents during and after-hours.

I look forward to getting to know you all over time.

“Together we will achieve more”

Donna Ditchfield

Zone Administration Officer

Position: Zone Administration Officer. Donna carries out the administration tasks for the Zone, including typing, correspondence and attending to the day to day volunteer enquiries.

Jillian Butler

District Coordinator

I started working in Coonamble in July of 2013. I worked at the Moree Fire Control Centre for 4.5 years prior to this. I have also been a volunteer since 2004.

Prior to working for the RFS, I worked on farm (broad acre & cattle).

My interests outside of the RFS include – shooting/hunting, horse riding, fishing in my kayak, camping, motorbike riding…. outdoor activities in general. I also take photos and have an Instagram account @thisisannoyingme

My role as your District Coordinator is to oversee the functions of the office and support the other staff in their roles. I also look after hazard reduction, hazard complaints, some training, the Facebook page & group, newsletter, and whatever else pops up!

Dez White

District Officer

I have been a member of the RFS for almost 25 years, based at a very busy village brigade in Sydney. I have attended numerous calls including house fires, car accidents, search & rescues, bush fires, tip fires etc. My funniest callouts include being responded to a ‘Koala up the wrong tree’ and a person trapped upstairs by a couch! It was also common to rescue horses out of swimming pools!

I have represented the RFS on many strike teams and task forces around NSW and interstate. If you get the opportunity to participate in out of area strike teams I recommend it.

My previous employment was as a radio operator with the NSW Police Force based in Sydney (if I stumble on the radio it’s because I’m trying not to use police jargon)

I’m more than happy to share my knowledge and experiences with you and am hoping to learn a lot from you too.

Ben Taylor

District Assistant

I joined the RFS in 2002 as a volunteer in a very busy ‘village’ brigade. We attended many motor vehicle accidents, car fires, house fires and bush fires.

I’m looking forward to sharing some of my knowledge and experiences and hope to learn from you all as well.

My interests outside of work include 4-wheel driving & camping

Within the RFS my main interest is training and I will mainly be looking after:

Learning & Development – Coordinating and instructing on courses
Youth - Developing a Young Members group with NWZ
Aviation – Training and response arrangements

Mark Mulheron

District Officer

Mark Mulheron has more than 20 years as a volunteer with the RFS and commenced work with the North West Zone in October 2009.

Prior to working for the RFS, Mark was employed by the NSW Attorney Generals Department.

Mark’s interests outside of the RFS include motor sports, collecting badges and patch's and hats (mostly EMS,& Law enforcement stuff) camping and 4WD.

Contact Mark for questions or concerns regarding training, membership and station builds.