Diane Ostarcevic has just been elected into the position of captain of Stuart Mill Fire Brigade, joining three other female captains in North West Region.
Di joined the brigade in 2007 and completed her Minimal Skills qualification as a firefighter in 2008. She has also obtained her chainsaw operator’s licence, and crew leader and first-aid qualifications. She had been First Lieutenant since 2014.
Her previous roles include Junior leader, and has been group delegate throughout this time. She also regularly takes part in CFA demonstrations, round robin training exercises and group meetings.
“It’s fantastic that women are involved and have equal opportunity in operational roles. Females are also filling deputy group officer roles in North West Region, and we’re fortunate to have a newly-elected woman coming into the St. Arnaud Group,” Di said.
Stuart Mill brigade promotes female participation and encourages them to take on operational roles. “The men in the group and in Stuart Mill brigade are very supportive of females stepping up and taking on new roles,” Di said.
“I’m looking forward to a new challenge working with the District 16 community.”