From doctors and nurses to police superintendents and firefighters, these people have acted as leaders as we’ve navigated the pandemic.

We chat to 3 everyday superheroes who’ve been on the front line, helping our community get through this tough time.

Bella, Practice Nurse at Morphettville Medical Centre

What do you enjoy about being a nurse?

It’s rewarding to know that you’re empowering and educating people or helping someone to heal. I love being able to support people by providing care, or just being there to listen if [they’re] going through a hard time.

What challenges have you faced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic?

It’s been a challenge keeping everyone as safe as possible… and staying sane.

It was stressful and exhausting at the start, as I know it would’ve been for many others. It felt like we were in uncharted territory.

What sacrifices have you had to make as a nurse during the spread of COVID-19?

My hours have fluctuated, going from working extra to now working a bit less due to fewer patients coming through the door.

How has your workplace been impacted by COVID-19?

It was insane when it all began but it’s gradually become the new normal. I guess going through a stressful situation can make or break a team, and I think it’s made ours stronger.

What’s surprised you about the COVID-19 pandemic?

I think how South Australia has handled the pandemic has shown people that staying home from work when sick and [practising] good hygiene makes a massive difference.

Aside from the health aspect, I think a lot of people are trying harder to appreciate the little things in life, as well as showing more understanding and appreciation of others – I know I certainly am.

Scott Denny, SAPOL Superintendent 

What do you enjoy about being a police officer?

One of the most enjoyable features of my current role as a Superintendent is the difference you make to people’s lives, especially in times of need, such as this current COVID-19 pandemic.

How has the pandemic changed your day-to-day work life?

Unlike fires and floods which mostly impact remote communities, this pandemic is worldwide and therefore does not have defined boundaries. This pushes strategic thinking to its limits, which means long hours and high-level decision-making every minute of my working day.

While I’ve always appreciated how fortunate I am to be a member of SAPOL, times like this really make you appreciate how important your role is in protecting the community.

What lessons have you’ve learnt from the pandemic?

The working relationships that we have formed throughout this pandemic will certainly stick with me, so too will the ongoing teamwork that I have seen working across government and non-government agencies in our support of SA Health.

What’s surprised you about the COVID-19 pandemic?

My team has processed thousands of travellers entering SA since we introduced travel directions in late March. This includes people arriving by road, rail and air.

Having seen firsthand the reasons why people need to enter SA. It’s incredible how many people actually have specific skills or businesses which are essential to our state.

Jeff Swann, MFS Commander

What do you enjoy about being a firefighter?

I feel like I’ve contributed to making the community better and helping someone in a time of need when things are not going well, whether it’s a car accident or house fire – that’s really rewarding.

What challenges have you faced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic?

The challenges have been business continuity and servicing the community while maintaining social distancing and remembering that everyone is going through hardship.

There are lots more people working from home, and not away on holidays, so there’s been a higher risk of house fires. Things have been changing so quickly that we don’t know what to expect until we arrive – we don’t know if there’ll be people there or not.

Have you seen more house fires?

We’ve had more house fire responses, but because people have been closer to home, we’re able to respond to fires earlier so they’re contained to the room.

Do you have any fire safety tips for people spending more time at home?

Stay vigilant with your home heating and [ensure] items are distanced from your heater or fire.

If you’re at home more, don’t overload power boards. We’ve seen more people [doing this] – where they’d usually have one or two things plugged in, there’s now a power board running a whole range of things.

Also, make sure you unplug unused devices and don’t overload one area of the house where you set up your home office or gaming console.