From L-R: Linda Krive, Gill Metz, Elizabeth Gibson, Sheryl Batrouney, Julie Hough, Jan Hull
Seven trailblazing women leaders of CFA from the north-west of the state are helping shape the future for rural women this International Day of Rural Women.
The significant day on 15 October each year, is a special one for CFA to celebrate and honour the dedication and contribution of all the women in our organisation.
CFA has nearly 13,000 incredible women members, hundreds of those in leadership roles.
Six out of seven women Captains in CFA’s District 2 gathered recently and discussed the importance of women and diversity in their brigades.
Riddells Creek Captain Gill Metz AFSM, who is not only a long-serving volunteer but has also had a career in emergency services, said her brigade wanted her to become Captain to mentor and develop future leaders along with some succession planning.
“A lot of the work I’m doing is about knowledge sharing and giving the volunteers different experiences,” Gill said.
“Research has shown that having good diversity in emergency management makes us so much stronger.
“I’ve enjoyed developing minority groups for many, many years, and certainly having more women around helps bring those skills to the table.”
Walmer Fire Brigade Captain Julie Hough said she hopes she can inspire other people without an agenda.
“Having a great team behind you will hopefully encourage more women to take the opportunity to take on a role with CFA,” Julie said.
“It’s all about community, whether that is ensuring their protection or simply building rapport with them, it’s great that you can be a role model for other people.”
Axe Creek Fire Brigade Captain Sheryl Batrouney is a third-generation firefighter so for her, she was always going to join CFA regardless of gender.
“There’s a lot that women can bring to a brigade, no matter what role they’re interested in,” Sheryl said.
“I encourage people if they’re wanting to be part of their community and do something that’s fun, and also very rewarding, to join their local CFA.”
Deputy Chief Officer North East Region and International Day of Rural Women sponsor Ross Sullivan said it’s important for women to be celebrated all year round.
“Rural women are the backbone of their communities, often juggling various responsibilities to keep everything running smoothly,” Ross said.
“Women also play a crucial role in rural community development and throughout my career at CFA, I am endlessly impressed by the passion and commitment from our women members who put the community at the core of everything they do.
“It’s pleasing to see how CFA has broadened its diversity over the years and implemented change to ensure we’re not only increasing our women volunteer membership, but we’re empowering them to become leaders and inspiring more women to take on any role in CFA.”