Wodonga Fire Brigade has elected a female firefighter to an operational leadership position in a first for the brigade.
Story and photo courtesy of the Border Mail
Jacqueline Wyatt was recently elevated to the rank of Fourth Lieutenant and is one of the first women to have a senior operational volunteer role in the Brigade
After four years in the CFA, Ms Wyatt said it was positive to move into the role.
"I think it's an opportunity to have a level of equality across the board and give a bit of balance," she said.
"It brings a different perspective and I think it's a great opportunity for all women to give it a go." Firefighting has traditionally attracted high numbers of men, and Wodonga officer in charge Ash Mills said it could be hard to recruit women.
"The CFA has been such a male-dominated environment for so long and it takes time to promote and appeal for females to come into your organisation," he said.
"We do have quite a few women in various ranks, but it's nowhere near the spread we need to be equitable.
"We'd like to see a much higher ratio of women." Ms Wyatt will take on a management role while working on the ground and during administration duties.
"It's a good chance for me to step up and taken some more responsibility," she said.
Author: Alex Todd