Meet Len Phillipson, a dedicated local service manager who is at the heart of community recovery for Lifeline Queensland. Len’s role requires a unique blend of skills, and his journey to this impactful position is as inspiring as the work he does.
As we sit down with Len, it becomes evident that the Community Recovery team is currently in the midst of a whirlwind that is storm season. “We’re always working to ensure that our systems are in place, and our people are up-to-date with accreditation,” Len explains. “We hold weekly meetings to keep our deadlines, plans, and actions up-to-speed. Right now, there’s a sense of urgency, with ongoing fires in parts of Australia and a looming hot, dry summer. The potential for significant environmental disasters is as close as a breaking news story!”
Len’s first experience of community recovery began in 2015, during Tropical Cyclone Marcia in Central Queensland. Over the years, he’s participated in several environmental disasters, including being deployed to the Black Fires of 2019/2020. “I was so grateful for the opportunity” he shares. “It’s one of those rare instances where we, as a community and as workers, can make a real difference. It shows the depth of passion and dedication our people have.”
Len initially volunteered as a Crisis Supporter with Lifeline Queensland while running his business. “I had the training and got on the phones, which was a bit scary at first, but I discovered a real passion for this work,” he says. Len transitioned into a training role with the Lifeline Crisis Support team and decided to work face-to-face with families, an experience he loved. “I was asked to move into a service lead role for about two years, but I declined because I loved working with the community so much.” Len embraced the service role, and when the opportunity arose to move into community recovery he didn’t hesitate to accept. Len emphasises that regardless of his position, during a major event he will be in there ‘boots and all’.
In such intense situations, the teams are exposed to trauma all day, and Len’s top priority is the well-being of his team members. “We focus on how we look after our team, how we debrief, and how we check in to ensure they are taken care of. Training, supervision, debriefs, and briefing sessions are ingrained in our culture. We support each other, and no one goes out alone; we go out together as a team. Safety, both physical and mental, are always on our minds.”
One deployment that particularly touched Len was in the Bega Valley on the New South Wales coast. “Although people had lost everything, with 2,000 homes destroyed, they had so much concern for the environment and wildlife. That really touched me – people really care. I always tell my teams, first it’s about people, then places, and finally the buildings.
We can’t give them the money to rebuild their homes, but we can provide psychological support and be there when they really need us.”
The Community Recovery team is activated at the request of state or local government authorities, or local community leaders after such events as floods, cyclones, bushfires, acts of terrorism, major health emergencies, road accidents and other community crises.
In a world where disaster can strike unexpectedly, Len and the Lifeline Queensland team are there alongside our communities.
For practical information on how to prepare for and cope with the effects and experiences brought on by crisis or natural disasters, visit our Community Recovery page.
