Girls on Fire will deliver a free fire and resilience one-day program at Horsham on Tuesday, in a multi-
agency event that offers participants the opportunity to step into the world of emergency services through hands-on learning, practical challenges and teamwork-based activities.

For girls and gender-diverse participants aged from 14 to 19 years, the immersive program aims to give confidence and create pathways within emergency services, disaster recovery and community resilience roles.

Supported by Forest Fire Management Victoria, Parks Victoria, VICSES, CFA, Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria, it is the three-year-old’s program’s first event at Horsham. 

Parks Victoria’s Samantha Hall said Tuesday’s session was designed to show girls and young women their potential in the various sectors.

“You can’t be what you can’t see,” she said.

“Girls on Fire puts girls in uniform, running activities and feeling what it’s like to be an emergency services worker, while giving that exposure to career pathways as well. 

“We’ve had lots of young females from Girls on Fire become Forest Fire Management seasonal firefighters.”

VicSES will stage a rescue scenario that includes casualty-handling, CFA will host a search-and-rescue activity alongside extinguisher use, while FFMV will demonstrate dry firefighting tools and techniques.

 Firefighting vehicles and a fire science land management activity will also be part of the day’s activities.

Girls on Fire’s job pathways program for people aged from 18 to 24 years will offer participants similar activities on Wednesday next week. 

People can find more information and register at girlsonfire.org.au.

– Bronwyn Hastings

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