Mark Blake

Seeking a career that offered a significant practical element and the opportunity to serve the Canberra community, Mark was accepted as a recruit firefighter within ACT Fire and Rescue. Mark has gained significant operational experience in the many facets of firefighting over the past decade, as well as several advanced rescue qualifications.

Mark was promoted to the rank of Senior Firefighter in 2015.

Mark is currently a recruit instructor, and enjoys transferring his skills and knowledge to newly appointed members of ACT Fire and Rescue.

Mark led the Canberra office of Point Project Management, a dynamic firm providing specialist project management services in the construction sector. In this capacity, Mark undertook business development, mentored junior project managers, and delivered a diverse range of capital works projects.

Mark transitioned into civilian life after 13 years in the Army, and led a design and construction team for the roll-out of Canberra’s advanced high-speed fibre optic cable network.

Mark’s initial career path saw him appointed as an Officer Cadet at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), studying a Bachelor of Civil Engineering. Mark graduated from ADFA in 1990 and then undertook Army Officer training the following year, graduating as a commissioned officer (Lieutenant) in the Royal Australian Engineer (RAE) Corps. After completing a further year of study at ADFA, Mark gained an Honours Degree in Civil Engineering.

Mark’s subsequent Army career involved various leadership positions within RAE. Most notably, these included a Troop Commander role at a Construction Squadron, and a Work Officer appointment in the PNG Defence Force’s Engineer Battalion under the Defence Cooperation Program with Australia’s pacific neighbours.