Our team
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.
Quinn Cramer
President
Quinn Cramer is President of Women and Firefighting Australasia and a Station Officer with the Queensland Fire Department. She began her fire service career as an Auxiliary Firefighter in Bundaberg in 2008, while working as a Business Manager at Target. In 2011 she joined full-time and became the first woman employed permanently in Rockhampton and only the fourth female firefighter in Central Region.
Quinn quickly progressed through the ranks, completing her Cert III and IV in Public Safety and Firefighting Supervision, and in 2016 qualifying as a Senior Firefighter. She undertook the Q-Balance Women Leaders in Public Safety course at the Australian Institute of Police Management, and in 2018 was appointed Station Officer Gladstone Command. Her leadership journey has included regional instruction and frontline operational command.
She has been recognised with awards including Outstanding Female Leader in an Operational Role (International Women’s Day PSBA Awards, 2017) and Outstanding Contribution by a Female Firefighter (WAFA Awards, 2018). A long-term WAFA Board member since 2017, Quinn has worked to strengthen networks, mentoring, and communications for women in firefighting.
Outside work, Quinn is a competitive cyclist, multi-medal state and national champion, and seven-time participant in the QFES Bike 4 Burns charity ride.
Min McDonald
Vice President
Melinda McDonald is Vice President of Women and Firefighting Australasia, an operational firefighter, researcher, and Churchill Fellow. She joined Fire and Rescue NSW in 2017 after a career in communications and project management, serving at both metropolitan and regional stations, including City of Sydney, the largest and busiest in Australia. She has deployed to major incidents including the 2019–20 bushfires and the 2022 floods, working in multi-agency incident management teams and as a community liaison officer.
Melinda is undertaking her PhD at the University of Technology Sydney, exploring cultural humility and organisational culture in the Australian fire services. Her research and practice in culturally inclusive risk reduction has been recognised with the 2023 National Emergency Media and Public Affairs Award for Research Excellence, the 2024 AFAC Award for Fostering Resilient Communities, and a Churchill Fellowship.
Passionate about inclusion, she contributes to FRNSW’s Women’s Inclusive Network and Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Network, mentors aspiring female firefighters, and helps lead WAFA PAT FAM sessions. Outside work she enjoys cycling, running, yoga, and time with her grandson Teddy.
Robyn Allchin
Secretary
Robyn Allchin is Secretary of Women and Firefighting Australasia and a Fire Management Officer (Policy) with the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service. With a background in environmental science and law, she began her fire management career in 2012 with Victoria’s Department of Sustainability and Environment (now Forest Fire Management Victoria), working across bushfire prevention and public land management.
After relocating to Tasmania in 2019, Robyn worked with the Tasmania Fire Service as a Planning Officer, supporting planned burns and community fire safety programs, before taking up her current role in policy and strategy. She is passionate about shaping bushfire management through evidence-based approaches and enjoys working at the intersection of policy, operations, and community safety.
Robyn joined the WAFA Board in 2023 and became Secretary in 2024. She is a strong advocate for diversity in fire management and believes increasing women’s participation in decision-making leads to better outcomes on the ground.
Beyond work, Robyn enjoys bushwalking, running, and time with her partner and young daughter, who has already attended her first WAFA conference. She is committed to creating a sector where women can thrive, balancing professional expertise with personal insight as both a mother and leader.
John Pappas
Treasurer
John Pappas is a Chief Superintendent with the Queensland Fire Department and Treasurer of Women and Firefighting Australasia. He has more than 30 years’ experience in fire and emergency services, spanning operational, strategic, and executive leadership.
John began his career as a volunteer with the NSW Rural Fire Service in 1994, before joining the ACT Fire Brigade in 2002 and being promoted to Station Officer in 2011. In 2014 he moved to Queensland, where he has held leadership positions including Zone Commander, Area Commander, Director of Regional Development, Director of Regional Operations, and Executive Manager of the School of Fire and Emergency Services Training. Following the 2024 establishment of the Queensland Fire Department, he was appointed Operational Capability Commander for Central Region.
He is a Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders and a member of several professional governance bodies, bringing a strong record of strategy, governance, and people leadership. A long-time supporter of WAFA, John is committed to advancing inclusion and equity across the sector, ensuring safe and respectful workplaces where people can thrive.
Outside of work he continues to mentor emerging leaders and remains dedicated to the principle that people are the fire sector’s greatest asset.
Erin-Liston Abel
Board Member
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. With over 20 years’ senior leadership experience in state government and member-based organisations, Erin has worked extensively in public safety and emergency management.
Her portfolio at AFAC includes People and Culture, Strategy and Organisational Performance, Collaboration, and the Office of the CEO. She oversees AFAC’s strategic relationship with Champions of Change and the AFAC Diversity and Inclusion Group, leading gender equity initiatives and advancing inclusive leadership across the sector. Erin played a key role in delivering the AFAC 2023–2027 Strategy and the sector’s Strategic Directions 2022–2026.
She holds an MBA, a Graduate Diploma in International Relations, a Bachelor of Arts, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Erin joined the WAFA Board in 2024, bringing governance, strategy, and DEI expertise to support WAFA’s mission to empower women in firefighting and promote equity across emergency services.
Her leadership is driven by a passion for ensuring women are represented at all levels of decision-making and that diversity becomes embedded in the sector’s culture and performance.
Emma Welsby
Board Member
Department of Energy, Environment & Climate Action (Victoria) – Board Member
Emma Welsby is Manager of the Sector Policy Team in Victoria’s Office of Bushfire Risk Management, leading evidence-based bushfire risk management policy, practice, assurance, and reporting across public and private land.
Emma joined the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action in 2011 as a Science Graduate and firefighter, later moving through roles spanning bushfire management and community engagement. She is an operational forest firefighter, trainee Operations Officer, and an IMT-accredited Community Liaison Officer.
She holds a Science degree from Monash University and a postgraduate diploma in Bushfire Planning and Management from the University of Melbourne. Passionate about both operational and strategic aspects of fire management, she enjoys balancing hands-on incident response with policy reform that shapes long-term outcomes for communities and landscapes.
Emma has witnessed the positive progress for women in the sector and is committed to supporting greater diversity in firefighting and land management. Joining the WAFA Board in 2024, she brings her experience in science, policy, and operations to help empower women and foster inclusion in the fire sector.
Her leadership reflects her belief that diverse voices lead to stronger decisions and more resilient communities in the face of bushfire risk.
Penny Cilento
Board Member
Penny Cilento has over two decades of frontline and community experience in firefighting, starting in 1993 as the only woman in her area actively engaged in fire suppression. From learning to drive old converted army vehicles to training in farm sheds, she worked alongside inclusive colleagues and built a reputation for capability and commitment.
Penny was a first responder on the Hume Highway and became deeply engaged in community safety, serving as a Community Safety Officer and instructor. She helped develop the Community FireWise program and contributed to the NSW Community Education Committee, developing and delivering training for firefighters across the Illawarra region.
As Deputy Captain, Penny gained extensive emergency management and incident control experience. During the 2003 Canberra/NSW fires she coordinated resources and logistics for 300 personnel per day and served as interagency liaison during firefighting operations. She also attended numerous large-scale campaigns throughout her career.
Now a WAFA Board member, Penny brings her passion for community engagement, firefighting, and inclusion. She is committed to empowering people to take part in their own safety and resilience and to ensuring that the fire services are accessible to as many people as possible, regardless of background or circumstance.
Kirsten Burnham
Board Member
Kirsten Burnham is a firefighter with Fire and Rescue NSW and a first-term WAFA Board member. With a career rooted in rescue capability, she brings advanced communication, safety, and public speaking skills from her airline background, alongside formal study in Health Sciences with Victoria University and experience running her own business.
Kirsten is a committee member of FRNSW’s FRINGE network, which supports LGBTQIA+ employees, their families, and allies. Her contributions include planning, concept, and delivery of flagship events such as Sydney’s Mardi Gras parade and Fair Day. She is known for driving inclusive initiatives that strengthen FRNSW’s culture and support diverse minorities across the service.
Her leadership is underpinned by a strong ethical compass, a proactive approach to inclusion, and a commitment to continuous learning. She is particularly passionate about using education to empower women in firefighting, helping to build confidence alongside competence.
As a WAFA Board member, Kirsten is dedicated to advancing the growth of women in the sector and to fostering a culture where all firefighters can thrive. Her contribution reflects a blend of operational expertise, advocacy, and passion for change.
Alex Bryant
Board Member
Alexandra Bryant is a firefighter with Fire and Rescue NSW and a Wellbeing Officer supporting the mental health and wellbeing of firefighters. Stationed at City of Sydney Fire Station, she is a qualified firefighter and operator of the 44m Bronto Ladder Platform.
With a professional background in social work, Alexandra previously worked in hospital emergency departments, advocating for women in complex situations including domestic violence, homelessness, and pregnancy complications. She brings this frontline care and advocacy experience to her dual role at FRNSW, combining operational firefighting with wellbeing initiatives.
Her work includes training delivery, project management, and individual support to improve firefighter wellbeing. With her blend of operational and social work experience, she is well placed to understand the challenges faced by women in the service and the strength they bring to the role.
Joining the WAFA Board in 2024, Alexandra is committed to promoting wellbeing and inclusion across the firefighting profession. She believes that supporting the mental health and resilience of firefighters is essential to building a strong, inclusive, and sustainable workforce.
Eane Watson
Board Member
Eane Watson is a firefighter with the Queensland Fire Department and an active contributor in the areas of equity, diversity, and inclusion. In addition to 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.
Beyond QFD, Eane contributes nationally through Disaster Relief Australia (DRA), where he developed and delivered ESG frameworks to ensure safety, equity, and inclusion from the boardroom to the frontline. He has significant governance expertise, training boards and leaders in fulfilling their obligations to create safe and equitable workplaces, and designing systems to support this in practice.
A published author, poet, and songwriter, Eane brings creativity alongside technical and governance skills. He is committed to fostering inclusive cultures and is recognised for his advocacy in ensuring women’s participation and safety in emergency services.
Joining the WAFA Board in 2024, Eane continues his long-standing allyship, contributing to the organisation’s mission of advancing women in firefighting and supporting a culture of fairness, safety, and respect across the sector.
Laura Smith
Board member
Laura Smith is Program Manager Volunteer Strategy with the Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) and Second Officer at the Rocherlea Fire Brigade. A fourth-generation firefighter, Laura grew up around the station before joining as a volunteer at 16. Over 17 years she has contributed through emergency response, volunteer advocacy, training, and national representation.
Laura has served as Secretary of the Tasmanian Retained Volunteer Firefighters Association, worked as a casual Training Instructor specialising in urban suppression and brigade management, and represented TFS at national forums. In 2013 she received the Australian Institute of Emergency Services’ Young Endeavour Award. Three years ago she transitioned to a career role, applying her skills to support the nearly 70% of the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management workforce who are volunteers with TFS and SES.
Laura is passionate about mentoring, training, and the mental and physical challenges of firefighting. She encourages women and non-binary people considering similar paths to “keep showing up, bring your authentic self, and take opportunities.”
Joining the WAFA Board in 2024, she brings her lived experience and dedication to volunteerism to help shape a more inclusive and supportive fire sector.