Born and raised in Darwin, Nikki says she owes her “never give up” attitude to her mum and dad.  Saving to travel the world at 18 years of age, Nikki took on any job that would help her attain this goal, prior to and whilst travelling, from working at a service station pumping fuel, to making gift baskets for Hermes scarves. But she claims the best job of all was working at Harrods in London, as an Aussie, dressed as the “Jelly Belly” (American) mascot selling their products at 20 pounds an hour – a financial coup at the time – and an opportunity to engage with a myriad of folk in quite extraordinary ways.

Nikki’s commitment to helping people through raising funds for clearly identified and worthwhile causes enabled her to win Miss Northern Territory Fundraiser in 1991.  After participating in the finals of Miss Australia, (and a some more travelling), she founded a shopfitting business in Cairns where she raised her family and became involved with community activities and causes such as Ellis Beach Surf Lifesaving and Cairns Businesswomen’s Association — winning Cairns Small Businesswoman of the Year in 2008.

But it was after moving to Kawana in December 2011 when Nikki became fully involved with Kawana Beach Surf Lifesaving Club that Nikki juggled supporting an ailing parent, family commitments, completed her Bronze Medallion, then onto becoming a Patrol Captain at Kawana Beach — today leading a team of 22 people, 18 of whom are 18 years and under.

Nikki, you’ve had an extensive corporate career working in a number of areas, tell us about your roles and skills you have learnt along the way…

Working in a predominantly male environment in my early career, and then even more so when I sold shop and office fittings, has meant that I needed to stay true to who I am. I have always nurtured this sense that I could pursue any passions and that life should not be limited. I’ve tried to channel that mindset by being not only a leader, but also a mentor and connector who provides a springboard for others in their lives.

Self-awareness, humility and courage are skill learnt along the way.  In order to develop and grow, we need to continuously learn and improve while still believing in our own ability. That has been an important lesson for me this year, to not let an awareness of your own development areas impact your confidence levels or self-belief. So, no matter what stage you are at in your life, you can continue to learn, evolve, and grow.

What guided you towards working with DV Safephone and working in the Not-For-Profit world?

Working in the Not-For-Profit space began when I was 21, I was nominated to be involved with the then Spastics Association of Australia (as a nominee for Miss Northern Territory). I found such fulfillment in helping others and fundraising for the cause.  When moving to the Sunshine Coast in late 2011, I completed my Bronze Medallion training and became a Surf Lifesaver at Kawana Beach.  Volunteering for such an international organisation and preventing the loss of life on our local beach, helped me realise that the smaller clubs, such as ours, needed help with fundraising.  One of the biggest fundraisers still today, is Christmas gift wrapping at Kawana Shopping World which my mum is instrumental in helping coordinate. (If you would like to help, let me know lol)
An opportunity with Bloomhill Cancer Care will always be close to my heart, not only because of the people I worked alongside but for knowing the ultimate care they give to people touched by cancer.

After leaving Bloomhill I had no idea what I wanted to do – other than taking time out, so when Ashton Wood, CEO of DV Safe Phone contacted me with a dream role which included a life, work, balance, I was over the moon.  This move continues with my overarching desire to connect likeminded people, to make a difference in the lives of others and to spread this passion further afield.
DV Safe Phone collects, repurposes and gifts mobile phones to victims of domestic violence (DV) through registered charities, safe houses and authorities serving this vulnerable community. Safe Phones are then provided as part of an individual’s ‘safe’ or ‘escape’ plan’ offering a lifeline to call for help when it is needed most. Please visit www.dvsafephone.org to see if you can help too!

What traits and qualities do you feel help you to make an impact in the fund-raising / charity space?

A deep and genuine care for your cause and to embrace wholeheartedly connecting with people. Every person that comes into my life has a story, fears, hopes and dreams, from which I learn.  And as men and women, we need to share our aspirational goals, keep an open mind about the things we can achieve, and realise our differences can become our strengths. I have realised there has been a real theme in both my professional and volunteer roles around teams and environments where leadership, passion, respect, trust and community are present.

How have you transitioned from moving into a completely different industry – are there any similarities or learnings?

I believe this came naturally for me.  Whether in your own business or someone else’s, first and foremost are your clients – your people. Empathy, compassion and great listening skills will help you through the learning curves encountered along the way.

What do you do yourself to look after your own selfcare and mental health?

I would have to say being in the ocean is my happiest place of all, when not with family and friends!  Whether it is taking a walk along the beach, lifesaving, swimming, paddling or jet skiing in the ocean to just simply sitting, listening to music on a blanket just watching the ever-changing water, I am in heaven.

And what’s next on the agenda for Nikki Firmin?

It is my time to learn to pace myself so I can learn to balance life a little better. To enjoy the present and to stop and ‘smell the roses‘ more!

Favourite movie and why?

I have no idea; I used to love all the kids’ movies, when they were little lol.

Coast or City?

This is easy…. COAST always.

What mantra do you live by?

I have two – the first was from my dad and is tattooed on my ribs “Never Give Up” and the other “All of life comes to me with EASE, JOY and GLORY!”

To find out more about Nikki head to:

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-firmin-309aa7183/

https://dvsafephone.org/