From Melbourne’s western suburbs to travelling across regional Victoria servicing and repairing diesel fire pumps, Leigh Galea’s career has taken a few turns along the way.

Now part of FWSR Group’s Bendigo/Ballarat team, Leigh joined the business around two and a half years ago after relocating to regional Victoria with his family.

A qualified Heavy Diesel Mechanic and self-confessed soccer tragic, Leigh brings plenty of practical experience to the team - along with an appreciation for a good regional pub or charcoal chicken stop when he’s on the road.

Getting to know Leigh
Leigh grew up in Melbourne’s western suburbs and began his working life as a tyre fitter before deciding he wanted more from his career.

He took the leap into a mature-age apprenticeship, eventually completing his Heavy Diesel Mechanic qualification.

“Going back to study later in life was definitely a challenge, but it was one of the best decisions I’ve made,” Leigh said.

It’s an experience that now shapes the advice he gives anyone considering a career change.

“Give it a go, and don’t think you’re too old to start or change careers. I did my apprenticeship as a mature-age student and, while it wasn’t always easy, it was worth it.”

Away from work, there’s a good chance you’ll find Leigh somewhere near a soccer pitch.

“I’m also a massive soccer fan. I play and coach soccer and spend far too many late nights on the weekends watching the English Premier League!”

Finding his place at FWSR Group
Leigh joined FWSR Group around two and a half years ago after moving with his family to a rural area and looking for a role that suited their new lifestyle.

“FWSR seemed very family-oriented, which was a big attraction for me. Plus, Scott (Bendigo Branch Manager) was pretty good with his words and managed to get me over the line in the end!”

As a Diesel Mechanic, Leigh’s primary role is servicing and repairing diesel fire pumps, with plenty of fault finding and problem-solving involved.

He also lends a hand to the wider team whenever needed.

“There’s plenty of fault finding and problem-solving involved, and I also help the lads out whenever they give me a call and need an extra hand.”

Variety, travel and a good crew
One of Leigh’s favourite parts of the job is that no two days - or locations - necessarily look the same.

“I really enjoy getting out and travelling to different places. I get to see towns and areas I probably never would have visited otherwise. I also like finding good places to eat while I’m away, and if I find somewhere worth going back to, I’ll take the family there later.”

That variety extends to the work itself.

“I’m not stuck doing exactly the same thing in the same place every day. I get to travel, see new places, work on different jobs and have a good crew around me.”

For Leigh, that combination of variety, problem-solving and a supportive team has made the move into fire protection a good fit.

Looking ahead
Having already made one significant career change himself, Leigh’s advice for anyone considering a trade - particularly later in life - is simple.

“Be willing to learn, ask questions and get your hands dirty. You don’t need to know everything from day one - a lot of it comes with experience.”

And with plenty of regional Victoria still to explore, there’s a fair chance Leigh will find a few more good food stops along the way.

Quick-fire questions

AFL team?
Collingwood - no question.

Early start or late finish?
Early start. Get in, get it done and still have some of the day left.

If you won $1 million tomorrow, what’s the first thing you’d do?
Take the family to Europe, with a definite stop in London to watch Arsenal play at the Emirates Stadium. That would be pretty hard to beat.

Favourite place to visit in north-east Victoria?
Warrnambool. It’s a great spot for the family, has some good pubs and, most importantly, even better charcoal chicken.

If you could spend a day working in any other role across FWSR Group, what would it be and why?
Grant’s role - just so I know what it feels like to be the top dog for a day!