2024 Winner: Outstanding Alumnus Award (Griffith Sciences)
Bachelor of Informatics, Class of 1994
Andrew McNeilly ESM has distinguished himself through a remarkable career spanning three decades in emergency services and surf life-saving, including completing over 3,000 hours of flying and over 3,200 hours of beach patrol. He was recently awarded the prestigious honour of an Emergency Services Medal in the 2024 Australia Day Awards.
What does a typical day/week at work look like for you?
I am now heavily engaged in the administration and operational aspects of the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter as the Chief crew person, Chief trainer and operational crew. Preparing the rescue helicopter and the role equipment at the start of a shift is of primary importance. This is followed by base admin in support of flight operations.
As the majority of the helicopter crew are volunteers, maintaining the roster and liaising with the crew prior to their next shift takes a considerable amount of time, along with setting training tasks and duties to ensure the volunteer crew are as prepared as possible for their role. I also spend time reviewing and developing training materials to assist the crew in gaining nationally recognised qualifications in the aviation industry.
Why are you proud to be a Griffith alumnus?
I saw Griffith in its very early days, with one campus that was used as athlete accommodation during the 1982 Commonwealth Games. I was studying at the university as it grew with the Mt Gravatt and Gold Coast campuses. Now seeing the size, scope and achievements of the university makes me proud that I was able to experience the university’s growth and watch its achievements.
What inspired you to pursue your current career path?
Although I studied IT at Griffith and initially pursued my career on that path, my involvement in Surf Life Saving eventually led me to change directions and turn what was a passion into a career. Although no longer directly involved in the delivery of IT solutions to the business, my background has allowed me to provide insight into how IT systems can benefit the aviation arm of Surf Life Saving.
How do you spend your downtime?
Spending time with my family is very important to me.
Why did you choose Griffith University?
My elder brother attended Griffith, completing a Bachelor of Business, so pursuing a degree through Griffith seemed appropriate.
How did your time at Griffith help shape your career?
My time at Griffith, undertaking Information Technology, further spurred my interest in the IT field and gave me the tools to pursue my career path at that time. Any degree or higher-level program cements the foundations needed to better manage time and priorities in a changing workspace.
How do you maintain a work-life balance, especially considering your level of achievement?
Work-life balance is a challenge, especially when you convert your passion hobby into a full-time career. Working for an organisation that is predominantly volunteers, volunteer-led, and professionally managed means you spend a lot of time outside traditional work hours interacting with the unpaid professionals who make the organisation great. Having a very understanding family is key. Trying to make the most of the time available is paramount.
What motivates you to continue striving for excellence in your field?
Now working in aviation and specifically in a search and rescue role, there are always challenges and realities associated with this type of operation. Being continually engaged in the Aviation Safety Management System and striving to maintain and enhance a safe and effective operation promotes and requires all involved to strive for their personal best and enhance the operation.
Can you share a piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your career?
Don’t rest on your degree. Research what the industry needs or expects and build upon the stepping stones that your studies have laid. If necessary, go out and expand your education, even if it costs you some coin. It will get repaid over and over.
Want more?
Meet the rest of our 2024 winners and discover how they are making it matter.