CFA’s Manager of Volunteer Sustainability Ali Martin has been inducted onto Victoria’s list of top 50 women in the public sector in recognition for her more than 25-year commitment to volunteers and volunteerism.
Launched in 2017, the Top 50 Public Sector Women shines a light on the dynamic and inspirational female leaders working in the Victorian public sector, as well as a platform to support, mentor and encourage other women.
Ali’s inclusion in the top 50 recognised her contribution to the community, leadership, support of other women, and willingness to challenge the status quo.
Her career has included roles in local government, overseeing areas including community outreach, youth leadership, and youth suicide prevention programs.
She has worked at CFA for the past 19 years, heavily influencing the development and adoption of new volunteerism initiatives and bringing a focus to the important connection between our volunteers and communities. She currently leads a geographically-dispersed team of 50 staff with a mandate to design and implement projects that facilitate the growth of volunteerism.
Ali has also been one of the driving forces behind gender balance in the workplace and within brigades. Her support for women-centred programs resulted in the development of CFA’s first Gender Equity and Violence Prevention Action Plan.
Executive Director Volunteers and Strategy John Haynes congratulated Ali on receiving the prestigious honour.
“Ali’s commitment to volunteers and the community is at the heart of her working life and I’m delighted that this has been recognised with her inclusion in the Top 50 Public Sector Women in Victoria for 2018,” John said.
“This award recognises the great work that Ali does in leading an exceptional team that challenges the way we do things at CFA.”
Ali said it was wonderful to be recognised for her role in supporting the viability of brigades.
“It’s an honour to be able to contribute to the growth and development of CFA’s volunteer program, particularly to see the meaningful impact our work has on the brigades and communities we serve,” Ali said.
“It also means a lot to me that the nomination came from the women that I work with and that they see me as a values-led, supportive leader.”
View the full list of women inducted onto the 2018 Top 50 Public Sector Women list.