Wafa Board Members

Our Board is made up of dedicated volunteers from across the fire and emergency services sector. They bring experience from both volunteer and career pathways, and from operational, policy, and corporate roles. Together, they contribute their time, skills, and passion to guide WAFA’s work, support our members, and strengthen diversity and inclusion across the sector.

Close-up of smiling woman in uniform with a child and microphone in the foreground

  • Melinda (Min) McDonald is President of Women and Firefighting Australasia and is in her fourth year on the Board. She is an operational firefighter with Fire and Rescue NSW, a researcher, and a Churchill Fellow, with experience across metropolitan and regional stations, including City of Sydney and Tamworth NSW.

    Min has deployed to major incidents including the 2019–20 bushfires and 2022 floods, working in multi-agency incident management teams and as a community liaison officer. She is also undertaking a PhD at the University of Technology Sydney, exploring cultural humility and organisational culture in the Australian fire services.

    Her work in culturally inclusive risk reduction has been recognised through a Churchill Fellowship, the 2023 National Emergency Media and Public Affairs Award for Research Excellence, and the 2024 AFAC Award for Fostering Resilient Communities. She is passionate about inclusion, contributes to FRNSW networks, and mentors aspiring female firefighters. Outside work, she enjoys cycling, running, and time with her grandsons.

Female firefighter sitting in front of a fire truck, smiling, wearing a navy blue uniform with fire department patches, yellow reflective stripes on pants, and a wristwatch.

  • Kirsten Burnham is a firefighter with Fire and Rescue NSW and a WAFA Board member. With a background in aviation, she brings strong communication, safety, and public speaking skills, alongside study in Health Sciences and experience running her own business.

    Kirsten is also a committee member of FRNSW’s FRINGE network, supporting LGBTQIA+ employees, families, and allies. She has helped plan and deliver major inclusion initiatives, including Sydney Mardi Gras and Fair Day, and is known for championing practical, culture-building work across the service.

    She is passionate about inclusion, education, and supporting women in firefighting to build confidence and capability. Kirsten brings a mix of operational experience, advocacy, and a strong commitment to positive change.

A woman in a blue firefighter uniform smiling in front of two computer monitors on a desk, with shelves of collectibles and a fire truck model in the background.

  • Laura Smith is Treasurer of Women and Firefighting Australasia, Program Manager Volunteer Strategy with the Tasmania Fire Service, and Second Officer at the Rocherlea Fire Brigade. A fourth-generation firefighter, she joined as a volunteer at 16 and has more than 17 years of experience across emergency response, training, volunteer advocacy, and national representation.

    Laura has served as Secretary of the Tasmanian Retained Volunteer Firefighters Association, worked as a Training Instructor, and represented TFS at national forums. She received the Australian Institute of Emergency Services Young Endeavour Award in 2013 and later moved into a career role supporting volunteers across the Tasmania Fire Service and SES.

    Laura joined the WAFA Board in 2024. She is passionate about mentoring, training, and building a more inclusive and supportive fire sector for women and non-binary people.

A woman in firefighter gear, wearing a helmet and harness, standing on a ladder platform high above a cityscape with buildings and a partly cloudy sky.

  • Alexandra Bryant is a firefighter with Fire and Rescue NSW and a Wellbeing Officer supporting firefighter mental health and wellbeing. Stationed at City of Sydney Fire Station, she is a qualified firefighter and operator of the 44m Bronto Ladder Platform.

    Before joining FRNSW, Alexandra worked in social work in hospital emergency departments, supporting women experiencing domestic violence, homelessness, and pregnancy complications. She brings that frontline care and advocacy experience to her work in firefighting and wellbeing.

    Her role includes training delivery, project management, and individual support to strengthen firefighter wellbeing. Alexandra joined the WAFA Board in 2024 and is committed to promoting wellbeing, inclusion, and a more sustainable firefighting workforce.

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  • Erin Liston-Abel is Deputy CEO and Executive Director, People, Strategy and Performance at AFAC, the National Fire and Emergency Services Council for Australia and New Zealand. She has more than 20 years of senior leadership experience across state government and member-based organisations, with a strong focus on public safety and emergency management.

    At AFAC, Erin leads People and Culture, Strategy and Organisational Performance, Collaboration, and the Office of the CEO. She also oversees AFAC’s work with Champions of Change and the AFAC Diversity and Inclusion Group, helping to advance gender equity and inclusive leadership across the sector.

    Erin holds an MBA, a Graduate Diploma in International Relations, a Bachelor of Arts, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She joined the WAFA Board in 2024 and brings governance, strategy, and inclusion expertise to support WAFA’s mission.

A smiling man in a fire rescue uniform taking a selfie indoors with a glass door and outdoor parking lot in background.

  • Eane Watson is a firefighter with the Queensland Fire Department and a WAFA Board member with a strong focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion. Alongside his operational role, he serves on the Gender Equity Advisory Group, advises the Frontline Women’s Network, and works as a Peer Support Officer and Health and Safety Representative.

    He also contributes nationally through Disaster Relief Australia, where he has developed and delivered ESG frameworks and supported boards and leaders to build safe, equitable workplaces in practice. Eane brings governance, training, and systems expertise, with a strong commitment to inclusion in emergency services.

    A published author, poet, and songwriter, Eane also brings creativity to his leadership and advocacy. He joined the WAFA Board in 2024 and continues his long-standing allyship in support of women in firefighting.