Our People in VIC
LACW Tahnia Futcher
An Air Force clerk, LACW Futcher is deployed as the resident postie for the 160-person Australian C-130 detachment.
The former Maribyrnong HS student does a mail run three times per week, where normally she would end up sorting through six to seven 15kg mail bags.
With festive season just around the corner, LACW Futcher says her work load has already doubled.
“With the two weeks leading up to Christmas, it’ll be about 40 bags per week,” LACW Futcher said. “It’s a lot of mail, but it keeps me busy.”
Being able to work independently as the detachment postmaster has been an enjoyable task for the 35 year old.
“I’m my own boss to a degree,” she said. “It’s one of the better jobs that I’ve had because I run everything the way I want to run it.”
She says although being away from family is always a challenge, life on base isn’t bad.
“I’ve had a good time. I go to the gym all the time; I don’t have to do my own washing; and my dinner’s cooked for me,” she said.
In addition to being postmaster, LACW Futcher also fulfills the role of entertainment officer, organising regular social events for the detachment.
The events include theme nights, but Aussie barbeques are a regular feature at the outdoor recreation area, affectionately called the Thunder Box.
“They’re a good break for everyone, otherwise it could get monotonous,” LACW Futcher said.
“They come here and it’s like you’re at a real Aussie barbeque. The morale of this task group is extremely high.”