10 September 2025
With more than 20 years as an Army reservist, Sergeant Timothy Lewis has plenty of experience balancing multiple careers.
In his civilian life, Sergeant Lewis is an educator who leads digital learning initiatives for school-aged children. In the ADF Reserves, he is a Direct Fire Support Weapons Platoon Sergeant, working with heavy weapons capability.
Serving with the Queensland University Regiment, part of Sergeant Lewis’ role was to set up online learning courses. He was then able to transfer these skills to his work with Roma State College where he developed virtual learning resources for students.
The resources Sergeant Lewis developed enabled high school students, talented in STEM subjects, to network across the state with industry experts from organisations such as CSIRO, and academia.
“I think one of the biggest skills you learn in Defence is strategic leadership,” Sergeant Lewis said.
“This means being able to work with people from various groups and build on ideas that aren’t just your own, but are collaboratively planned.
“We talk about achieving a mission in the Army, and it’s the same in the civilian world when we talk about achieving a task.”
Roma State College deputy principal Ross Vickers said the transfer of skills Sergeant Lewis was able to apply to various roles at the college greatly benefitted not only the students, but the faculty as well.
“As a senior leader, Sergeant Lewis led a number of agendas across the school, particularly implementing digital learning initiatives,” Mr Vickers said.
“His leadership and teamwork experience has been invaluable in all of his work at Roma.”
'Roma State College has demonstrated unwavering support for my reserve service, enabling me to pursue critical career development opportunities within the ADF.'
Reflecting the value of Sergeant Lewis’ experience to his civilian employer, Roma State College has consistently supported him to undertake reserve service, recently supporting efforts in response to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
“It’s always a challenge to balance multiple jobs. You have to be upfront with your employer and talk about what you want to do, and how you can collaborate to make things work together,” Sergeant Lewis said.
“Roma State College has demonstrated unwavering support for my reserve service, enabling me to pursue critical career development opportunities within the ADF.
“Their flexibility and encouragement have been instrumental in allowing me to balance my professional responsibilities in education with my military service.
“Without their ongoing understanding, maintaining my role in the ADF Reserves would not be possible.”
Roma State College recently won the Public Sector category of the state-based Employer Support Awards hosted by the ADF Reserves and Employer Support at Gallipoli Barracks, Brisbane.
The awards formally recognise civilian employers for their commitment to supporting reservists in their workplace. Recipients have gone above and beyond for their reservist employees to enable their military commitments.
“One of the things I pride myself on in my work is the flexibility we offer all of our employees. It would be very rare for us to deny someone the opportunity to do something they are passionate about,” Mr Vickers said.
To find out more about the ADF Reserves and Employer Support, or for information on hiring reservists, visit www.reserveemployersupport.gov.au
