Women on the frontlines as southern NSW fire camps spark confidence and careers

Last week at Jindabyne, yesterday in Narrandera and today (27 November) in Tumut, a group of young women have stepped into the boots of future forest firefighters, participating in camping experience unlike any other.

This isn’t just about how to extinguish fires, and the many ways that can now be done, but they’re also being run through a series of simulated emergency scenarios which range from sensory deprivation to rescuing victims from a wrecked car and trained in search and rescue operations.

It’s all part of the Fire Up Girls fire and resilience program, led by the not-for-profit organisation Girls on Fire, which is empowering women aged 15 to 19 with hands-on training in fire and disaster management.

This innovative program, founded by Fire and Rescue NSW captain Bronnie Mackintosh, is not only seeking to diversify Australia’s emergency services workforce but foster resilience in young women.

With a new bushfire season ahead, Ms Mackintosh said it had never been more important for the community and firefighters to be ready.

“And it’s vital we equip the next generation to lead their communities,” she said.

The Tumut camp is the final of nine held across the state in recent months, with the other eight held in Tenterfield, Casino, Lismore, Moree, Dubbo, Eden, Cobargo and Jindabyne, in recent months.

During the camps, Girls on Fire facilitators take participants through the hands-on practical rotations to help them build resilience by developing critical skills in teamwork, leadership and problem-solving.

The experience equips them not only for potential careers in firefighting but also for challenges in everyday life, Ms Mackintosh said.

“These camps help young women discover just how capable they are,” she said. “By challenging themselves with fire and emergency scenarios, they walk away with the confidence to tackle anything.

“By giving young women these real-world skills today, we are preparing them to be tomorrow’s emergency services personnel and community leaders.”

Currently, women account for just five to seven per cent of Australia’s firefighting workforce, highlighting the importance of programs like Girls on Fire in addressing gender diversity.

Forestry Corporation is a proud partner of Girls on Fire and they emphasise the value of gender diversity in building a stronger firefighting workforce.

“This summer, Forestry Corporation will have 519 firefighters ready to respond to the state’s forest fires, and around 20 per cent of our firefighting workforce are women,” said Forestry Corporation’s Amba Addinsall.

Tamara Reinhard and Renee Lawlor, are two Forestry Corporation team members who volunteered at fire camps in Casino and Lismore, witnessing firsthand the impact of the program.

“It was so inspiring to see the girls grow in confidence throughout the day, form social connections, and experience the camaraderie of working together in simulated emergency situations,” said Tamara.

“Feedback from the girls was that the activities were fun, informative, and exhilarating. They especially enjoyed using the live reel on the Cat 9 and the hands-on approach to the day,” added Renee.

The Fire Up Girls program also works with schools, fire and emergency services, regional towns, and all kinds of youth-related organisations to introduce young people aged 15 to 19 to fire, emergency and disaster management skills.

It is open to all young women, with a special emphasis on inclusivity.

Participants from First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are particularly encouraged to join.

Thanks to funding from a NSW Government Investing in Women grant, the program is free of charge.