Residential
Explore
When you meet Tayla Polidano, senior property manager at Ray White Melton, it’s clear she’s someone who understands responsibility at every level. Alongside managing rental portfolios and supporting clients, she has also volunteered with the Country Fire Authority (CFA) since 2019, serving with the Melton Fire Brigade.
“I’ve been involved with the CFA since 2019 when I met my partner, who was already a member and later transferred to Melton CFA,” Tayla explains. “Over time, my connection to the brigade grew stronger, especially when my son joined the Melton running team. Through that, we built close relationships and the brigade really became like a second family.”
During fire season, being “on call” is about constant readiness. “Being ‘on call’ during Stand Up days or Total Fire Ban means making sure we’re prepared at all times,” she says. “We complete inventory checks, ensure the pumps are operational, confirm the truck is fuelled, and run burn over drills so everyone is confident and ready.”
That mindset mirrors her approach to property management. “You don’t wait for a crisis to check maintenance or safety. Preparation is everything,” she says. “It’s about reducing risk before it escalates.”
Recently deployed to fire-affected areas, Tayla worked in Mount Alexander as a penciller to the Strike Team Leader, documenting critical information from SMEAC briefings - Situation, Mission, Execution, Assistance, Command and Safety. “It meant actively listening, capturing key decisions and ensuring clear communication before strategies were carried out. It was an opportunity to see leadership and planning in real time.”
In Lismore, the focus shifted to relief and reassurance. “We were there to relieve crews who had been battling fires for more than 20 days and to provide comfort to the community with a visible CFA presence,” she says. “We monitored flare-ups, removed hazardous trees and worked to prevent reignition. It was about protecting the community and supporting exhausted crews.”
She sees clear parallels between the fireground and property management. “Both roles operate in high-pressure environments where teamwork, communication and trust are critical,” Tayla explains. “You need to stay calm, understand the objective and execute with precision. You’re accountable not just for your own performance, but for how you contribute to the wider team.”
Bushfire season, she believes, highlights the broader responsibility property managers hold. “We have a role in community safety,” she says. “Ensuring gutters are clear, gardens are maintained and excess fuel loads are reduced are practical but critical steps. Education is just as important; encouraging fire plans and preparedness conversations can make a real difference. It’s not just about managing properties; it’s about protecting people and assets.”
Balancing deployments with a structured property management schedule isn’t easy, but Tayla credits her workplace for their support. “When you’re deployed, you don’t always know when you’re leaving. It disrupts everything,” she says. “What makes the difference is that my team chooses to step in. They take on extra work so I can serve the community and return without added pressure. That support means everything.”
For Tayla, volunteering strengthens her professional capability as much as it serves the community. “Community service builds resilience, leadership and communication under pressure,” she says. “In many ways, it makes you better at your job because you understand firsthand how emergencies impact tenants and property owners.”
“If you’re considering getting involved, take the step. You don’t have to be frontline; support roles are just as important. There’s something powerful about working alongside people through challenging situations. It builds trust, teamwork and shared purpose - and you might be surprised by how much it gives back to you.”
