Companies and individuals in the Australian security industry have been recognised for their hard work, excellence and innovation on a national and international stage, at the 2016 Security Awards.
The Australian Security Industry Awards for Excellence have been an initiative of the Australian Security Industry Association Limited (ASIAL) for 21 years. In 2015, ASIAL partnered with the World Excellence Awards to bring the global OSPAs program to Australia.
This year, they again shared a prestigious Awards Ceremony & Dinner at The Westin on 20 October 2016, in Sydney’s iconic Martin Place.
Read up on the winners and see photos from the night here >
We are very proud to announce Sharon Wagg as a Finalist for the Outstanding Female Security Professional Award.
Sharon has managed to work her way up from Control Room Operator to her current position as Security Manager at the VCCC in Melbourne in the three years she has been with us.
Sharon has demonstrated passion and initiative with her eagerness to learn and develop in her time with the company. As a result, she has created a cultural shift both as a team member and then subsequently as a supervisor. Sharon has been continuously proactive in the improvement of systems and processes and is constantly searching for ways to improve herself, develop her team, serve her clients and the community, and contribute to our overall success as a business. She is an example of a true leader, an absolute inspiration, and an asset to our company.
Sharon’s Story
Recalling her interview at Southern Cross Protection for a Control Room Operator at the Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre (MCEC), Sharon says, “It was time for a change. I realised I am who I am and from now on I’m just going to say yes… to everything! I wanted to challenge myself, I wanted change. I didn’t want to follow the same path I’ve always followed. I wanted to be brave and thought to myself, if I am going to work full time it has to be something I enjoy.”
There was a clear expectation communicated at the interview that the culture needed to change in the MCEC Control Room. So Sharon took up the challenge. She wanted to inspire the team around her and started to implement initiatives to bring the team together. When Sharon was promoted to team leader, she set up reward systems to show appreciation and encourage good work.
Sharon was then promoted to Operations Supervisor where she worked closely with the Security Manager at the MCEC and managed both the Control Room and Roving staff. She was then picked to attend our Beyond Leadership course which geared her up to Management level.
“I had so many insights and light bulb moments. It made me feel like there was a direction in this company for me to follow. It gave me courage. I thought to myself, I can do this!”
Sharon’s success in improving culture and performance at MCEC resulted in her promotion to the Security Manager at the new site, the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC). This was a large site with multiple stakeholders, and to add to the complexity, a site with no established policies and procedures.
Sharon and her Team
Sharon’s ability to be proactive and to establish strong relationships with multiple stakeholders came to the forefront. As Victoria’s primary cancer care hospital, there was no room for error right from the start.
Procedures to care for and protect both the personnel and the patients were critical and Sharon and her team had to hit the ground running. Keeping the site secured, managing patients and relatives in highly emotional states, supporting the staff and developing the critical processes such as emergency procedures, were all part of the challenges faced by the team.
Sharon has developed the standard operating procedures, consulted with the Facility Management and developed the site emergency response program. She has liaised with all emergency services to ensure tight security and emergency response for the hospital environment.
“The VCCC is my baby. I am passionate about it, I am passionate about Southern Cross Protection and security and I want to show my clients that Southern Cross Protection is different from every other security company out there, and that’s from the heart.”
“I believe if you want to progress in your career you need to use your time to learn and seek the information you need to do a better job and stand out. It’s about being the best you can be, but if you don’t take it upon yourself, how are you going to improve? How do you know what you’re capable of if you don’t try?”
Sharon’s Outstanding Qualities
Our clients say Sharon is never too busy to help. Her calm demeanour, dedication and security experience at large sites add real value to their operations. Her ability to form strong relationships with all the stakeholders contributes not only to our own clients, but to the security industry in general.
Southern Cross Protection is privileged to have such a dedicated member in our tribe. We are proud of Sharon’s contribution to the security industry, our clients and communities. It is the professional, capable and dedicated people like Sharon that make our company great.
