2025–26 Thought Leaders: Ruth Tovo

How did you come to join the SES, and what’s kept you there?

I began my career in emergency services at just 16 as a volunteer firefighter with the SA Country Fire Service, and it quickly became a defining part of who I am. By my mid-20s, I realised that emergency management was my true calling, which led me to pursue postgraduate studies and deepen my understanding of the sector. Soon after, I joined the SES as a paid staff member in the Operations Support team before recently moving into Emergency Management. Eight years on, I am still as passionate as ever, largely because of our incredible volunteers. They are the heart of what we do, and their commitment inspires me every day. My motivation is simple: to ensure they have the best tools, equipment and support to respond effectively and help our communities when they need us most.

What are some of the unique challenges of coordinating hundreds of SES volunteers across South Australia?

Coordinating SES volunteers across SA is no easy task and it’s certainly never done in isolation. The state’s vast landscape can make communication and logistics tricky. Considering different availability and a variety of skills, good planning and safety oversight become essential. Remote areas often mean limited connectivity, and during major events, quickly moving equipment while supporting volunteers’ wellbeing, managing fatigue and addressing mental health adds another layer of complexity. It can sometimes feel chaotic, but that’s when the strength of an experienced ground crew really shows. These teams not only know how to get the job done; they share their knowledge, mentor others, and lead with the kind of lived experience that keeps everything running smoothly. When everyone works together, it’s challenging but deeply rewarding.

How do you balance the strategic side of resourcing (planning, forecasting, logistics) with the on-the-ground realities of emergency response?

Balancing strategic resource planning with ground realities demands flexibility and teamwork. We base our plans on data-driven forecasts, logistics and defined timelines; however, emergencies rarely unfold exactly as expected. Therefore, proactive communication and real-time intelligence are crucial for swift adjustments. Giving field crews confidence and authority enables rapid decision-making. Learning from each operation helps refine our strategies. In the end, strategic planning forms the foundation, but the success depends on our people’s experience and adaptability.

You’ve admitted to not being a particularly technical person, so how do you find it being part of an industry that’s so reliant on comms equipment?

Effective communication is certainly the backbone of almost every incident response. When crew safety is on the line, having reliable communication tools isn’t just convenient — it’s critical. Staying connected means teams can coordinate seamlessly, respond quickly, and keep everyone safe while achieving the mission.

Honestly, most of my learning has come through practical experience and learning from subject matter experts who have become informal mentors. For me, the key has been knowing who the subject matter experts are and not hesitating to ask the right questions. Every chat is an opportunity to fill a knowledge gap and boost confidence, and that willingness to learn from others makes all the difference.

Looking ahead, what emerging challenges or opportunities do you see for the South Australian SES in the next few years?

One of the biggest challenges for South Australia’s SES is keeping up with rapidly evolving technology and finding ways to incorporate it into our operations sustainably and cost-effectively. Tools like AI-driven real-time data platforms have significant potential. However, it’s not just about having the technology; it’s about making sure the information is collected, understood, and used in ways that genuinely support our frontline crews and decision-makers. Our members often work in risky, unpredictable environments, so innovations such as virtual reality could be game changers for training, especially for volunteers in remote areas who can’t always access hands-on sessions. Looking ahead, we anticipate climate-related events will become more frequent, and community expectations will continue to rise. That means adaptability and innovation aren’t just nice to have; they’re crucial for building resilience and ensuring we can continue to do what we do best: protect lives and property.

Why would you recommend people join the SES, whether technically minded or not?

It genuinely doesn’t matter if you’re technically minded or not; the core of SES is about serving the community and being part of something bigger than yourself. It’s a chance to meet people from all walks of life, learn new skills and support others when they need it most. Reflecting on my own journey, the friendships, experiences and skills I’ve gained are priceless.

Ruth has over 20 years of experience in emergency management and currently supports critical communications at the South Australian State Emergency Service. Her work includes coordinating ICT systems, radio networks and operational technologies to ensure volunteers are equipped with reliable resources to respond safely and effectively.

Ruth is a longstanding emergency services volunteer and a passionate advocate for inclusive leadership, with a focus on empowering young people and women in the emergency services and communications sector. She spoke at Comms Connect Melbourne 2025 as part of the inaugural ‘Women in Critical Communications — Progress with Purpose’ panel.

Top image: Ruth (front) and other search-and-rescue-trained SES volunteers were deployed to Yunta in October to assist South Australia Police with the search for four-year-old Gus Lamont.