2023-wafa-website-draft

Applications now open! Aviation Rescue

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 07:26:29 GMT

Applications now open!

Airservices Australia is now recruiting for their 2026 Aviation Rescue Fire Fighter intake – full-time, permanent roles with purpose and impact.

As an ARFF Fire Fighter, you’ll respond to airport emergencies in Australia. You’ll operate specialised firefighting vehicles, deliver first aid, and maintain critical safety infrastructure at some of Australia’s busiest aerodromes.

ARFF, in conjunction with WAFA, proudly supports pathways for women in fire and emergency services and encourages applications from all who meet the requirements.
• Full training provided
• A high-performance, high-reward career
• Physical and mental readiness essential

Applications close 8 August 2025 – 11:55pm AEST
Apply now: http://careers.airservicesaustralia.com/caw/en/job/502152?lApplicationSubSourceID=

DFES - WAFA Conference

president@wafa.asn.au (Min McDonald) — Wed, 14 May 2025 08:31:49 GMT

Opportunity to attend WAFA 25 - WA Career Firefighters

Are you part of the Western Australian Career Fire and Rescue Service?

Then now is your chance to register your interest to attend this year’s WAFA Conference.

The WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services is funding WA CFRS personnel to attend the 2025 WAFA Conference from Tuesday 26 to Thursday 29 August at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.

For further details see Operational Circular 18/2025 and complete your register of interest before Sunday 1 June.

2024 AGM

president@wafa.asn.au (Min McDonald) — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 10:24:46 GMT

2024 WAFA AGM

The Board of Women and Firefighting Australasia Inc. (WAFA) invites all current members of the Association to the Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will be conducted principally via teleconference on Monday 10th December 2024 at 6pm (AEDT*).

Physical Aptitude Tests: Fit for Duty

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 05:02:01 GMT

Tips on Preparing for a Physical Aptitude Test for Firefighting Services

Emergency service professions such as firefighting, law enforcement, and paramedics require a high level of physical fitness and agility. Physical aptitude tests (PATs) are designed to evaluate your readiness to perform these demanding roles. Passing a PAT is a crucial step in firefighting recruitment, and as the saying goes, failing to plan is planning to fail. Give yourself the best possible chance, by starting your preparation well in advance.

Set realistic goals: Consider your current fitness level, and ensure you are setting achievable goals. There is no better preparation for a PAT than maintaining your strength, fitness and well-being long term as part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle. This is also a great indicator for maintaining your health and avoiding injury once you are in the job. Break down your goals into smaller milestones that you can track and measure, and give yourself enough time to build the strength and confidence you will need.

Know the test format: Avoid surprises by knowing what you're up against. Research the test format, the exercises involved, the equipment used, and the time, distance and weight requirements. Look up agencies’ websites and see if there are demonstration videos that can give you a visual guide.

Firefighting tests may include occupation specific tasks such as climbing ladders, dragging hoses, and carrying equipment, so practice these skills to improve your performance. Look for opportunities to participate in information days, and ask questions to ensure you have understood the requirements.

Create a training plan: Develop a training plan that is specific to the physical demands of the test, and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts as you progress. Your training plan should include a mix of cardiovascular, strength, and endurance exercises. Remember: Consistency is key! Establish a routine you can stick to and commit to your training plan without excuses.

Practice proper technique: Proper technique is crucial in avoiding injury and maximising your performance. Ensure that you understand the correct form for each exercise and consider working with a trainer or coach to refine your technique and get feedback on your performance.

Rest and recover: Rest and recovery are just as important as exercise in achieving optimal performance. Allow your body time between workouts. Ensure you are including adequate sleep, hydration, and nutrition in the lead up, so your body is ready for the physical demands of the test.

Prepare mentally: Firefighting is a high-stress job, so it's important to prepare mentally as well as physically. Practice mindfulness or meditation techniques to help you stay calm under pressure. Visualize yourself succeeding in the test, focus on your strengths and abilities, and practice breathing and relaxation techniques to help manage nerves or anxiety.

In conclusion, preparing for a physical aptitude test for emergency services requires a combination of physical and mental preparation. Knowing the test format, setting realistic goals, creating a training plan, practicing proper technique, resting and recovering, and preparing mentally are all essential elements for success. With dedication, commitment, and the proper preparation, you can improve your chances of passing, and be on your way to your dream career in firefighting.

Author: Melinda McDonald JP, B.Bus, ICA (Fire and Rescue NSW)

Putting your best foot forward with STAR +LA

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 03:58:59 GMT

The answer that can take you one step closer to success

Whether you are responding to a question in a written application, or in a face-to-face interview, being able to provide a structured and well-organised answer is crucial to conveying your message clearly, and ensuring you let a recruiter know why you are suited to a role. If you become nervous, your mind goes blank, or you struggle to be concise - the STAR+LA technique can keep you on track, and ensure you demonstrate capacity to meet key selection criteria.

Think about the focus capabilities or key skills needed in the job you’re applying for, and prepare some examples ahead of time to reflect times you have demonstrated these qualities. Whether it is communication, following procedures, delivering customer service, or demonstrating integrity – most of us have had these experiences, and the trick is to show recruiters how you can transfer that to your new role.

STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result, while LA refers to Learning and Application. For any question, identify the skill, quality, or focus capability the question is asking about, and choose an example you can speak to. Then take it away, with STAR +LA:

Situation: Begin by setting the context. Describe a situation you were in, or a problem you had to solve. Keep it simple and provide only the relevant background needed for the listener or reader to understand the rest of your answer.

Task: Once you have set the context, describe your specific task or role. This could be a challenge you needed to overcome, or a problem you had to solve. Be clear and specific about what was expected of you.

Action: This may well be the most important part of your answer. Be specific about what you did and how you did it – and use action words (verbs) to describe the steps you took to accomplish the task.

Result: Demonstrate the impact of your actions. What was the result of your efforts? Did you solve the problem? Be specific about the outcome and, if you can, quantify it with numbers, a changed process, or a piece of feedback you received.

Learning and Application: This part demonstrates your ability to reflect on what you learn and apply it in new environments. It shows a recruiter two things – the first, that you have the capacity to grow and develop as a person and as a professional, and the second, that you will apply that knowledge for the benefit of this new organisation.

It’s always ok to stop and collect your thoughts before you begin answering a question, so pause if you need to, structure your answer, and give yourself the best opportunity to deliver a concise and meaningful response. By using the STAR+LA format, you can put your best foot forward, showcasing your demonstrated skills and experience, and how you will apply them in this new environment. People who reflect on past experiences, think critically, apply feedback, and learn from both their accomplishments and mistakes make great team members! A STAR +LA answer can take you one step closer to success.

Author: Melinda McDonald JP, B.Bus, ICA (Fire and Rescue NSW)

7 steps to your best pre-recorded video response

conference@wafa.asn.au (Conference WAFA) — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 01:45:07 GMT

Delivering a confident and effective message

Pre-recorded video interview questions help recruitment teams screen a large number of candidates in a short amount of time, allowing them to invite those who are successful to progress to the next stage, usually a face-to-face interview. It’s important to understand that these questions assist with the initial screening of candidates — the purpose is not to replace the face-to-face component.

Preparing for a recorded video interview question can be intimidating, but there are a number of steps you can take to prepare that will give you additional confidence and increase your likelihood of moving on to the next stage of the recruitment process.

Test your technology and make sure you have a reliable internet connection, a functioning microphone and camera, and any software required. Test everything well in advance of recording to avoid any last-minute nightmares.
Dress as you would for a face-to-face interview. Keep in mind the role you are applying for. Avoid loud colours and patterns, or jewellery that may be distracting on camera.
Choose your environment carefully. Make sure it is a well-lit, quiet space, and that you won’t be interrupted by children or animals. Make sure the background is clutter-free and clean.
Practice, practice, practice! Review the position description, focus capabilities, and organisational website. Make note of the skills needed for the job, the services provided by the organisation, and their values and mission. Prepare responses to common interview questions and practice those responses out loud. Record yourself to review your response, and/or ask a trusted friend for feedback.
Pay attention to your body language and tone of voice. Make eye contact, smile, and be engaged and attentive.
Make sure you understand the question clearly before you record your response. Take the time to read the question. Set the tone for your response in the first sentence by restating the question and summarising your perspective on it, or why you can see that it is important. From there, you can elaborate further based on your reading, and your own previous work experience.
Pause and slow down while speaking – ensure you are communicating clearly and concisely. Remember, the panel understand that you are human – so don’t be concerned if you stumble. The goal is to share your understanding of the role, your suitability for that role, and to showcase who you are as a person. The panel do not want to listen to a memorised list of your accomplishments!

Follow these tips for your next pre-recorded video interview, and you can be sure to successfully deliver a confident and effective message.

Author: Melinda McDonald JP, B.Bus, ICA (Fire and Rescue NSW)

Diversity and inclusion in emergency management: from policy to practice.

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 05:37:52 GMT

How do we effectively implement diversity and inclusion policies in emergency management sector practices?

This was the focus of the Diversity and inclusion: from policy to practice online forum hosted by the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC in conjunction with Women and Firefighting Australasia (WAFA), Victoria University and Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) on 2 December 2020.

How do we effectively implement diversity and inclusion policies in emergency management sector practices? This was the focus of the Diversity and inclusion: from policy to practice online forum hosted by the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC in conjunction with Women and Firefighting Australasia (WAFA), Victoria University, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) and Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) on 2 December 2020.

With over 150 people in virtual attendance, the forum presented the Diversity and inclusion framework for emergency management policy and practice, developed through the Diversity and inclusion: building strength and capability project to provide a basis for practitioners to address diversity and inclusion issues through a strength-based approach, which builds upon current practice and expertise in the sector.

The all-female panel discussed the evolution of inclusive practice over the last decade, the purpose of diversity and the critical role inclusion plays in the management of social, human and natural hazard risk in communities and organisations. The three panellists also explored what is at risk and explained why diversity and inclusion is a business imperative and why investment to build capability in this area is now critical.

Co-lead of the Diversity and inclusion: building strength and capability project Celeste Young from Victoria University presented the Diversity and inclusion framework for emergency management policy and practice , the Learning as we go: developing effective inclusive management support document, and other supporting materials that have been developed by the project to support inclusion practitioners' management and measurement in this complex and challenging area, including the phases of the diversity and inclusion transformation process, framework components and key activities that support embedding diversity and inclusion risk into existing systems. She also challenged common assumptions about the value of practitioners’ work and how it can enhance service delivery and create safer and more resilient organisations and communities. Celeste wrote a blog in September describing the framework and its importance, which is available to read here .

“Diversity is what creates the change and inclusion is how you manage it,” she said in her presentation.

“Whenever you put diversity, which is essentially difference, into a system, it creates change. If you want to manage the risk that this creates, it is really important that inclusion is used because that is how you manage this type of risk.”

Quinn Cramer, QFES Station Officer and WAFA President, spoke on the role WAFA has to play in diversity and inclusion policies by discussing policies and best practice insights, including future directions and opportunities for the future of women in firefighting. She discussed a range of WAFA documents that have been developed to assist organisations in creating more inclusive and safe workplaces, and the complexities of diversity and inclusion in practice. Two of these documents - the WAFA outcomes statement and WAFA-QFES workshop evaluation report - are available to download. In her presentation, Quinn outlined some practical steps for recruitment, leadership and mentoring, and health and wellbeing.

Some of these steps include:

reviewing language to ensure respect and representation
developing social media policies and presence to directly recruit women and support them as firefighting cadets
adopting strategy, policy and practice to reach gender equity in leadership in emergency management services
including diverse leadership models in leadership training to ensure the capacity to address the challenge of contemporary and future emergency management
recognising post-traumatic stress, and post-traumatic growth, as unexceptional risks in the work
recognising the profound impact harassment and discrimination have on top of the normalised emotional load and recognising the role of institutional courage in confronting discrimination and harassment and its power to transform organisations
addressing the gendered health and wellbeing of the job, which requires thoughtful consideration for the whole team.

Rachael Utumapu spoke on encouraging more women to join emergency services agencies in New Zealand as the Manager of Women's Development at FENZ, and what diversity and inclusion initiatives have already been implemented in New Zealand. She spoke on recruitment being viewed in two parts—attracting the right people to an organisation, and knowing who existing members are and what their perception and experience of the organisation is.

“Attracting diversity to the organisation is the first challenge, and the second challenge is ensuring they have a good experience,” Rachael said.

She also outlined FENZ’s journey to creating a positive workplace culture, which considers:

behaviours and conduct in the office
a shared code of behaviour
living values
support for all people
a bullying and harassment complaints process
policies and procedures.

Access and download all the above mentioned resources on the forum event page .

The full recording of the forum is available to watch below or on the CRC Hazard Channel . The forum saw a fantastic discussion on diversity and inclusion, and plenty of thought-inspiring questions came through that couldn’t be answered in the hour of the event, so all the panellists recorded a follow up panel Q&A session to keep this important discussion going and answer all the questions received. That video is also available to watch below or on the CRC Hazard Channel .

Women in Leadership Forum

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 05:16:38 GMT

Wellbeing Australia is proud to be hosting a discussion recognising the impactful role of women in leadership.

Key themes of discussion include;

The future of leadership for women
Personal reflections and growth for professional success
Relationships for success
The holistic world of female leaders
Changing workplace culture
Genuine diversity and inclusion across industries
Youth and emerging female leaders, gaining balance

2022 AGM

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 05:40:18 GMT

The WAFA annual general meeting was held tonight and the new board was confirmed for 2023:

Quinn Cramer — President
Anne Pickles — Vice President
Loriana Bethune — Secretary
John Pappas — Treasurer
Helen Carlos
Kelsey Tarabini
Erin Pogmore
Ange Pestell
Steve O’Malley
Melinda McDonald
Alison Walters

A massive thanks to the board of 2022 and all who contributed to WAFA throughout the last year.

Stay tuned to our website and newsletter for more information on the new board and here’s to an exciting 2023!

First responder research

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 05:20:01 GMT

To the Australian community, our First Responders are heroes who are there for us in our most urgent times of need. The question is do we do enough in return to care for our First Responders and their families?

While our First Responders seem superhuman, there is significant evidence that they face a high risk of psychological harm from constant exposure to traumatic events. In the past few years alone, our First Responders have been at the frontline as our nation faced the devastating 2019/2020 Black Summer Bushfires, 2022 Eastern Australia floods and the Covid-19 pandemic spanning several years.

Research being conducted at the University of Canberra, is designed to find out how the stresses experienced by First Responders impact at home and how to protect the mental wellness of their children.

Children of First Responders experience firsthand the effects of trauma on their parent or caregiver. With delays in parents and caregivers being able to access appropriate treatment services or programs, particularly in regional and remote areas, children are being exposed to increased levels of stress often for long periods, at a time in their lives when their cognitive development is crucial.

In the first five years of life, the developing brain is most vulnerable to the negative effects of chronic stress. Young children who experience long term exposure to stressful environments are themselves at a higher risk of developing mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, and at a much younger age. We see the impacts in their cognitive development, social relations, and academic achievement.

Exercise has been shown to be an effective intervention for preventing and managing mental health conditions in adolescents and adults but there is currently little evidence on the benefit of exercise on mental health in young children. The benefits of exercise are widely known, and include a reduction of risk factors for cardiometabolic disease, specifically, elevated body mass index, blood pressure and blood glucose and insulin, as well as enhancing mood, concentration and general feelings of wellbeing.

The University of Canberra is looking to demonstrate the benefits of exercise in young people, and explore the relationship between emotion and behaviour of the children and parents or caregivers from First Responder families.

University of Canberra researchers are offering a free exercise programme to children between the ages of four and nine from First Responder households (in the ACT and surrounding areas) during school terms in 2022 and 2023.

The research aims to contribute to improving our understanding of the benefits of exercise in young children particularly those children that may be exposed to higher levels of stress at a younger age.

For more information or to sign up, go to www.healthmoodstudy.org or email rachel.venn@canberra.edu.au .

Help us learn more about how we can look after the families of those who look after us.

Wellbeing Australia - First Responders Summit

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 05:49:12 GMT

Wellbeing Australia want your fresh ideas and feedback for their First Responders Wellbeing Summit 2023!

Follow the link below to let them know what you think:

https://forms.gle/GCJJKRiXLibkhJzR9

Professional Development Day AFAC 2022

Sun, 17 Jul 2022 05:55:04 GMT

FIELD TRIP | More than just holding a hose: diverse careers in firefighting

A day to experience the role of a firefighter in a fun, safe, learning environment. The day will have a mix of hands on and demonstration based training including structural firefighting, road rescue, remote firefighting, search and rescue and incident management.

Groups will be rotated around each activity. There will be opportunities to:

wear personal protective equipment and don/doff a breathing apparatus
practice cut with rescue tools
familiarise yourself with the Physical Aptitude Test
experience an incident management simulation and activities including demonstrations of remote rural firefighting, urban search and rescue.

Representatives of Women and Firefighting Australasia (WAFA), the Metropolitan Fire Service and other South Australian agencies will be available for participants to ask questions.

Who should attend?

With WAFA being involved, it is a great opportunity for women of all ages and experiences who are interested in a firefighting career to be involved and see the range of career paths available. The session is open to anyone the emergency management sector who is interested in understanding more about the types of incidents firefighters respond too and the equipment they use to assist the community.

Presenters:

Welcome presentation by Michael Morgan, Chief Officer and Chief Executive, South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service and a WAFA representative.

Registration inclusions:

Lunch and light refreshments provided.

Participation requirements:

Please wear long trousers and enclosed footwear. If wearing a t‑shirt, please bring a long-sleeved shirt. All personal protective equipment will be provided.

Representatives of WAFA, MFS, and other SA agencies will be available for participants to ask questions.

Note: Please wear long trousers and enclosed footwear. If wearing a tshirt, please bring a long-sleeved shirt. All personal protective equipment will be provided.

Price: $150 + GST

Spaces: 50

Click here to register.

Statement from the Board of WAFA: Enough is enough

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 05:11:21 GMT

Enough is enough.

Following the 2018 Women and Firefighting Australasia (WAFA) Conference “Shaping the New Norm” the WAFA Board commissioned an Outcomes Statement which was supported by the Gender and Disaster Pod and was generously funded by Emergency Management Australia. The outcomes statement is a legacy statement and provides insights on current best practices, future directions, actions and opportunities for women in firefighting. Discrimination and sexual harassment against women in firefighting and emergency services were identified as a key area of concern. It continues to be an ongoing area of concern for women in the sector and as such should be a key focus for agencies and organisations.

Experiencing discrimination, harassment and/or assault within a workplace can cause great harm, both to the women involved, and bystanders and can result in women leaving the sector. When women do report, some experience further harassment and isolation. In addition, good men who want to be allies are simply not aware of how often discrimination, harassment victimisation and assault are occurring or they lack the tools to be an effective ally.

Bullying, sexual harassment, assault and intimidation are not acceptable regardless of gender, rank or agency. The actions of the few should not ruin the reputations of the majority.

WAFA acknowledges the work of organisations like the Australasian Fire Authorities Council (AFAC), the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC (BHNCRC) and the Champions of Change group who continually work in the gender equity space to assist agencies with creating meaningful change.

Recent reports however highlight the fact there is still a long way to go in some areas. In particular supporting volunteers, to ensure that they have appropriate pathways to report inappropriate behaviours within the workplace and adequate support, regardless of their decision to report.

WAFA will continue to advocate for safe workplaces for all and to ensure everyone feels supported and empowered within our sector.

Practical Steps to End Sexual Harassment and Discrimination

Good response structures to efficiently address incidents including a policy for safe reporting (including optional independent third-party reporting mechanisms), ongoing support and a workplace culture that stands up against harassment and discrimination. In a volunteer context, these reporting and support structures need to consider the ongoing safety of the woman in the context of living in the same community as a perpetrator(s).
Bystander training to empower people to call out bad behaviour.
Responding well is not enough. Best practice to reduce harassment and discrimination aims to stop harassment and discrimination at the start. Prevention strategies include gender equity training – tailored sessions for senior management, middle management and human resources sections to reinforce gender equity in the workplace. In a volunteer context, brigade management must also be considered.
Even with these strategies in place, women may still be exposed to sexual assault, discrimination and harassment, and a as result leave the service. To gauge the prevalence of incidents, and the impact they are having on women leaving emergency service work, exit interviews might include a question specifically on discrimination and sexual harassment.
The inclusion of anonymous reporting opportunities in staff/volunteer satisfaction surveys might provide more details about the prevalence and impact of discrimination and sexual harassment.

Make the most of the season by following these simple guidelines

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 03:47:04 GMT

Enough is Enough.

Following the 2018 Women and Firefighting Australasia (WAFA) Conference “Shaping the New Norm” the WAFA Board commissioned an Outcomes Statement [1] which was supported by the Gender and Disaster Pod and was generously funded by Emergency Management Australia. The outcomes statement is a legacy statement and provides insights on current best practices, future directions, actions and opportunities for women in firefighting. Discrimination and sexual harassment against women in firefighting and emergency services were identified as a key area of concern. It continues to be an ongoing area of concern for women in the sector and as such should be a key focus for agencies and organisations.

Bullying, sexual harassment, assault and intimidation are not acceptable regardless of gender, rank or agency. The actions of the few should not ruin the reputations of the majority.

WAFA will continue to advocate for safe workplaces for all and to ensure everyone feels supported and empowered within our sector.

Practical Steps to End Sexual Harassment and Discrimination

Good response structures to efficiently address incidents including a policy for safe reporting (including optional independent third-party reporting mechanisms), ongoing support and a workplace culture that stands up against harassment and discrimination. In a volunteer context, these reporting and support structures need to consider the ongoing safety of the woman in the context of living in the same community as a perpetrator(s).
Bystander training to empower people to call out bad behaviour.
Responding well is not enough. Best practice to reduce harassment and discrimination aims to stop harassment and discrimination at the start. Prevention strategies include gender equity training – tailored sessions for senior management, middle management and human resources sections to reinforce gender equity in the workplace. In a volunteer context, brigade management must also be considered.
Even with these strategies in place, women may still be exposed to sexual assault, discrimination and harassment, and a as result leave the service. To gauge the prevalence of incidents, and the impact they are having on women leaving emergency service work, exit interviews might include a question specifically on discrimination and sexual harassment.
The inclusion of anonymous reporting opportunities in staff/volunteer satisfaction surveys might provide more details about the prevalence and impact of discrimination and sexual harassment.

[1] WAFA Outcomes Statement 2018.

WAFA YouTube channel updated

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 04:51:57 GMT

WAFA YouTube channel updated

Jump on, like our new videos from the 2016 WAFA Conference and subscribe to our YouTube Channel to keep up to date with future video updates:

TV Show Research Opportunity

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 06:02:00 GMT

Seeking Female Firefighters to share insight for TV Show research

Filmmakers Kathleen Simmonds and Jessica Damouni are in the early stages of development for a narrative television series centred around the experiences of the volunteers in the RFS. Their aim is to pay tribute to the volunteers (in particular, women and indigenous volunteers) who were on the frontlines of the Black Summer Fires and highlight the sense of community and camaraderie at the core of the RFS.

In order to ensure the accuracy of the series, they are interested in connecting with firefighters for confidential, informal chats as a way to further understand the motivations and experiences of different volunteers and their loved ones.

All communications will be completely confidential and will not be filmed. This is for research purposes only. To find out more about the filmmakers, please head to www.kathleensimmonds.com/intotheblack

Please email kathleensimmo@gmail.com if you are interested in sharing your insights and experience.

Woman of the week podcast

Thu, 30 Jan 2020 05:24:51 GMT

Podcast ‘Woman of the Week’ B5 Aktuell 10/01/2020

Parts of Australia have been burning for months: Quinn Cramer is one of ten thousands of firefighters, who work to control the fires and look after the people who have lost their house and home in these catastrophic bushfires. Quinn has been a firefighter since 2008 and in 2019 she was elected as president of the board of Woman and Firefighting Australasia (WAFA). The interview will be in English.

Intro to podcast: ‘Woman of the week’ a podcast by B5 Aktuell: in this podcast we shine the light onto a woman who has made a difference this week and was therefore in the news: Australia has just recorded its hottest and driest year since the recording of weather started, high temperatures and strong, hot, dry winds and the bushfires still plague the north east of Australia. More than 10 million hectares have been destroyed since the fires started in October, that is about the size of Bavaria and Baden Wurttemberg combined. At least 27 people have lost their lives so far, as well as hundreds of millions of animals. Fires in Australia are becoming more and more dangerous. Today they are again expecting temperatures in excess of 40 degrees, as well as strong winds. Another 240,000 people have been asked to evacuate; Premier Morrison said “we are far from the end of this crisis”. “It is a damned dangerous job”, says Captain Brendan O’Connor. “Sometimes the fires just about explode or they create fire tornados, the week before last one of these tornados captured a [very heavy] tanker and threw it into the air, a colleague was killed. Most of us have been fighting these fires since the beginning of October and we are all very exhausted, it’s been a long battle, that’s for sure”.

“You have all heard and seen it in the news – parts of Australia are burning; the fire service is looking after persons who have lost their house and home in these catastrophic fires, as well as dehydrated and exhausted animals. Representing the men and women who have been fighting these fires in Australia for months is our ‘Woman of the Week’ Quinn Cramer from Queensland. She has been a firefighter since 2008 and she was recently elected as president of the board of WAFA. My name is Vanessa Schneider and I am very happy that you are listening!”

“I called Quinn Cramer at 8am local time, Gladstone. Gladstone is a small coastal town in Queensland approximately 500km north of Brisbane. We have talker via Skype, this is why the sound is a little bit mechanical. And we chatted in English, but you will get used to the Australian accent quite quickly!”

Interview with Station Officer Quinn Cramer, QFES, (in English).

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/... provided by WAFA Board Member Anna Stephan.

Attention all Firefighters!

Thu, 09 Jan 2020 06:05:26 GMT

Concerns around firefighter exposure?

Want to know if Firefighters have higher levels of chemicals in their systems?

This study can answer those questions.

This is a multimillion dollar comprehensive study on firefighter chemical exposure by means of a survey, blood, urine, semen and breast milk collection.

For more information click here.

Churchill Fellowship - by Sonja Braidner

Sat, 16 Nov 2019 06:08:09 GMT

WAFA member Sonja Braidner recently completed her Fellowship on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the specific field of Fire and Rescue in the Emergency Services.

You can access her Fellowship here and please also stay tuned for an article by Sonja in our next Newsletter!

2019 AGM & Board Elections

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 06:11:25 GMT

Our new Board was announced at our AGM!

Welcome to our new Board members Alice, Katie, Loriana and Emma.

A big thankyou to the out going board members Kate Hill, Ange Pestell, Erika Lind and Hayley Dun for there hard work and dedication to WAFA over the last few years.

Office Bearers:
President: Quinn Cramer – QFES
Vice President: Stephanie Looi – NSWRFS
Secretary: Loriana Bethune BNHCRC
Treasurer and Public Officer: Alice Lavender NSWRFS

Board Members:
Steve O’Malley AFSM – MFB
Katie MacWilliams – DBCA WA
Emma Gamble – NSWRFS
John Pappas- QFES (retained)
Catherine Jolly – TFS (retained)
Nadia Rhodes – ACT Parks (retained)
Anne Pickles – FRNSW (retained)
Anna Stephan – NTPFES (retained)

Ex Officio:
Executive Officer: Ariana Henderson – Parks Vic
Youth Ambassador: Kelsey Tarabini

We'll feature our new and continuing Board members over the coming weeks through #WAFAWednesday so you can get to know your Board.

Read the 2019 Annual Report here .

WAFA wants your input!

Mon, 19 Nov 2018 04:56:22 GMT

Have you got some information, research or a study that you think your fellow members would benefit from and which we could feature in our library? Is there an event WAFA can get behind by promoting it on our website?

Please contact us here to make a submission.

The WAFA Library - for its members, by its members!

2023-wafa-website-draft

Applications now open! Aviation Rescue

Applications now open!

DFES - WAFA Conference

Opportunity to attend WAFA 25 - WA Career Firefighters

2024 AGM

2024 WAFA AGM

Physical Aptitude Tests: Fit for Duty

Tips on Preparing for a Physical Aptitude Test for Firefighting Services

Putting your best foot forward with STAR +LA

The answer that can take you one step closer to success

7 steps to your best pre-recorded video response

Delivering a confident and effective message

Diversity and inclusion in emergency management: from policy to practice.

How do we effectively implement diversity and inclusion policies in emergency management sector practices?

Women in Leadership Forum

2022 AGM

The WAFA annu­al gen­er­al meet­ing was held tonight and the new board was con­firmed for 2023:

First responder research

Wellbeing Australia - First Responders Summit

Professional Development Day AFAC 2022

FIELD TRIP | More than just holding a hose: diverse careers in firefighting

Statement from the Board of WAFA: Enough is enough

Enough is enough.

Make the most of the season by following these simple guidelines

WAFA YouTube channel updated

WAFA YouTube channel updated

TV Show Research Opportunity

Seek­ing Female Fire­fight­ers to share insight for TV Show research

Woman of the week podcast

Podcast ‘Woman of the Week’ B5 Aktuell 10/01/2020

Attention all Firefighters!

Churchill Fellowship - by Sonja Braidner

2019 AGM & Board Elections

Our new Board was announced at our AGM!

WAFA wants your input!

The WAFA annual general meeting was held tonight and the new board was confirmed for 2023:

Seeking Female Firefighters to share insight for TV Show research