Meet Sharon Linke
Sharon Linke - Manager Learning & Development, South West Region
What do you value most about working with your team members?
I love using my leadership skills and creativity to tailor opportunities for my team to grow, both personally and professionally. It's rewarding to know that I have been part of their journey in some small way. My team also look out for each other and take time to check in, particularly if there is a stressor impacting on one of us.
Share the most interesting or rewarding project you have been involved in whilst working at CFA?
One of the best opportunities I have had is delivering Public Information Officer training to Police Fire & Emergency Service, Northern Territory in Darwin in 2019. It was a course I had earlier co-designed, and I ensured it was relevant to federal police, fire service, and other emergency service personnel. Being able to share my multi-agency Level 3 incident experience helped them to think outside the square. I learnt just as much from them in how they approach various incidents, depending on the remoteness, complexity and/or resources available.
A few weeks later, some of these course participants were using these public information skills and knowledge in incident management for major flooding in Queensland.
List one (or more) things you can't live without, when at work.
The morning quiz at District 5.
Tell us about a hobby, interest or achievement you have that might surprise your colleagues?
I love and have an ear for music, both playing and listening to it. Starting with piano lessons when I was five years old, I can usually pick up most instruments and play them once I know the position of the notes. Among the instruments I have played (not necessarily mastered) include piano, pipe organ, guitar, cajon drum, harmonica, recorder (didn’t everyone learn this one?), piano accordion, and ukulele. I've been known to burst into song or to whistle. I would love to learn the flute one day.
When I go to a concert or musical, I am as focused on the instruments and harmonies that the band members are playing, as on the lead singer.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Canada. It ticks all the boxes of what I love in a holiday - scenery, hiking, railway journeys, lakes and mountains. To see Niagara Falls and Canadian Rockies would be amazing, and maybe even a moose, beaver and a squirrel.
What is your favourite way to unwind after a long day at work?
Something which doesn’t require too much thinking – prepping dinner (I love cooking), reading, listening to music or TV quiz shows.