Published on December 17, 2018
Clare Hastings (2000) has traversed a career path certainly not for the faint-hearted. In recent years you might have seen her hanging from helicopters and saving lives as an isolated practice paramedic in Queensland, but her career change into the Royal Australian Air Force really has her flying high.
Clare returned to the School to award two HVGS students with the ADF Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork awards at the 2018 HVGS Presentation Day.
What was life like being a paramedic?
It was a job that I absolutely loved. I was involved in air rescue and you might have seen me dangling out the side of a helicopter like a teabag! Everyday was different and some days were long, stressful and exciting.
Why the change from paramedic to defence officer?
You see and experience a lot as a paramedic and it’s easy to get a bit burnt out and run down. When a friend mentioned a career in the defence force, it piqued my interested. It was time for a change so I joined the Royal Australian Air Force as a Flying Officer.
What’s involved as a Flying Officer with the RAAF?
It’s a really broad and interesting role with a lot of opportunity. I get to work in strategic and military communications and public affairs. No two days are the same. It’s a great job and I work with a great team of people.
What are your memories of HVGS?
I was a bit of ratbag at school but looking back I can see that somebody always had my back. I was always supported and I might have stumbled a few times, but I was always given a chance and every opportunity to do better. Coming back, I can see that the same level of investment in students – by staff – still exists.