We take great pride in our dedicated team members who go above and beyond to meet the evolving needs of our company. One such invaluable member is Tamara (Taz) Hendy, whose journey with Rencon has been nothing short of inspiring. Since joining us in September 2023, Taz has become an essential part of our operations, adapting to new challenges and excelling in her role.
Taz’s career in firefighting began in 2008 when she joined the New South Wales Rural Fire service (NSWRFS) as a volunteer. Over the years, she gained extensive experience working as a fire fighter within government agencies and with a private contracting company, tackling fires across the Blue Mountains, Sydney, Wollondilly, Snowy Mountains and Bathurst regions as well as interstate deployments. Taz found her way to Rencon through Jo Anderson, a former firefighting colleague, after her previous company unfortunately went into liquidation. She eventually accepted the opportunity to join our team as a firefighter, a decision that has proven to be a perfect fit.
Taz’s journey into firefighting was inspired by her brother, who initially joined the fire brigade to find positive male role models while growing up in a single-parent household. Following in his footsteps, she found her passion and has never looked back. At Rencon, she draws inspiration from strong leadership, particularly from Jo, whom she deeply admires for her resilience and accomplishments in a traditionally male-dominated field. Taz values the mentorship and knowledge-sharing culture at Rencon, which drives her to grow and help others do the same.
Taz’s adaptability and resilience shone through when she faced an unexpected challenge. After sustaining a broken arm at work in early 2024, she found herself sidelined from field duties. However, thanks to the support and encouragement from management, she seized the opportunity to retrain as a drone pilot. This transition was never part of her initial career plan, but today, she thrives in her dual role, balancing both firefighting and drone operations.
When asked what she enjoys most about working at Rencon, Taz’s enthusiasm is undeniable. She loves the job, describing the company culture as exceptional and the work environment as dynamic and exciting. Every day presents new challenges and opportunities, making her role incredibly rewarding.
Taz’s day-to-day responsibilities are diverse, ranging from forest management to road maintenance. Her biggest accomplishment so far has been becoming a certified drone pilot, a role she never expected to take on but has embraced with enthusiasm and determination. She also takes pride in mentoring new team members and contributing to the overall success of the fire crew.
While Taz doesn’t encounter insurmountable challenges in her role, she credits the supportive environment at Rencon for helping her navigate any obstacles that arise. With strong leadership and a collaborative team, she feels well-equipped to tackle any task with confidence.
When thinking about the future, Taz envisions herself continuing to grow within Rencon, taking advantage of every opportunity to expand her skills and contribute to the company’s success. She remains committed to personal and professional development, ensuring she stays at the forefront of industry advancements.
Beyond her professional life, Taz enjoys photography, motorbike riding, and spending quality time with her family. Taz’s passion for photography comes in handy for the business’ media, capturing moments that showcase the work and dedication of the entire Rencon team.
Taz Hendy’s journey with Rencon Air & Land is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and a strong commitment to excellence. We are incredibly proud to have her as part of our team and look forward to seeing her continue to thrive and inspire those around her.