News
24 September, 2025
Changing of the SES guard
AFTER three years at the helm, Julie Crocker has stepped down as group leader of the Caboolture SES, closing a chapter marked by crisis management, community rebuilding, and organisational growth.
Ms Crocker’s leadership, which spanned the aftermath of COVID-19 and multiple local emergencies, was celebrated on September 17, as colleagues and representatives praised her for transforming the group and strengthening its foundation for the future.
One of her stand-out efforts included helping the Woodford Unit get back on its feet, after COVID brought them down to under five members. Through her efforts, the group has grown to “21 strong,” a testament to her commitment to revitalising volunteer engagement and operational readiness.
Ms Crocker also guided the Caboolture SES through some of its most difficult periods, including the devastating 2022 floods that cut off members from each other and the community.
“We flooded to nearly halfway up the depot wall,” she recalled. “We had troops over the other side of the bridge, every road was cut off. That was difficult, to be in a situation where we couldn’t get out to help,” she shared.
For Ms Crocker, the most rewarding part of her role was watching people grow.
“Just watching people come in new and then develop the skills because we train them, and then watching them grow, and being able to go out and lead a team out in the field—that’s the best thing,” she said.
“Seeing the confidence in them from when they first start to when they actually go out and lead a team. It’s great.”
As Ms Crocker passes the torch to new group leader Diane Baker, she offered heartfelt advice: “If you’re unsure, come and ask us, because we’re all here to support you. There’s no handbook to say how to be a great leader. You’ve just got to get in there and do the best you can. I love my members. I love this group. I’ve been here for 10 years, and it’s a great bunch of people. It really is.”
Ms Crocker will continue in the Unit, serving as a Caboolture SES member.
