The past 18 months have been difficult for many, but thanks to the exemplary work of people like Client Services Manager @Michael Joyce and Security Officer Julie Tsinaris, we have continued to feel safe and secure. Now, their incredible work has been acknowledged publicly, as Michael has received the Outstanding Security Performance Award for an Outstanding Contract Security Manager, and Julie has received the Australian Security Medals Foundation (ASMF) Save A Life Award!
Michael and Julie received their awards yesterday at the 2021 Virtual Australian Security Awards, and were celebrated along with many of their peers. Organised by the Australian Security Industry Association Limited (ASIAL), the 25th annual Australian Security Industry Awards for Excellence were held in conjunction with the 6th annual Outstanding Security Performance Awards (the OSPAs) and 10th annual Australian Security Medals Awards.
Michael’s award was in recognition of his efficient management of multiple key sites throughout Queensland, particularly during lockdowns, when Michael used his extensive knowledge of clients and personnel to exceed all expectations. During the pandemic, the number of management site visits was severely reduced due to the restrictions imposed. As soon as restrictions were eased, Michael commenced visits to all his sites across Queensland. From the Gold Coast to Cairns, Michael personally established contact with managers and guards, ensuring all Site Standing Orders and Safe Work Method Statements were up to date and on site. Since May 2020, Michael has coordinated and visited sites on over 120 occasions.
Since the pandemic began, the role of static guards at Services Australia sites has changed significantly. After identifying gaps in the system, Michael ensured all guards were kept updated as requirements changed by introducing a ‘Special Instruction’ function to the online guard system. This innovative system upgrade helped disseminate notifications of any procedural changes or client requirements immediately.
Michael also championed the use of the Certis BOSS Time In Attendance App across Services Australia sites by contacting guards and sites directly, as well as providing ongoing training and support to staff and clients. The BOSS app allows security staff to update Certis and the client directly with attendance, reporting and distress response functions. Michael’s extensive understanding of the client’s needs and tireless work to meet them saw BOSS usage skyrocket across QLD sites to over 97%.
Thanks to Michael’s swift, out-of-the-box approach to all situations, all his sites are safe in the knowledge that they have the best equipped guards, in the right place, at the right time.
Julie received the Save a Life Award in recognition of her commitment to going above and beyond the call of duty every day, including an incident earlier this year when she responded to a developing incident.
Alerted by a duress alarm, Julie attended the scene and encountered an unconscious male patron in his late 60s. Quick to follow protocol, Julie contacted the Control Room to request an ambulance, before applying first-aid and commencing CPR on the patient. Within minutes, Julie had thoroughly assessed the situation and requested a defibrillator unit. Her extensive training ensured Julie remained calm and professional while placing the defibrillator pads on the patient and waiting for analysis before initiating the first shock.
Julie’s quick thinking and actions saved the patient’s life.
Thanks to Julie’s extensive training and exceptional response, the patient has made excellent progress. The heart attack he suffered was severe and could have been fatal, had it not been for Julie’s intervention. He is now expected to make a full recovery and is exceptionally grateful to Julie and her team for saving his life.
Well done, Michael and Julie!
