QUARTET BLAZE TRAIL FOR REGION’S FIREYS
CFA crews in the Geelong and Surf Coast region will celebrate the contribution of their female leaders, members and volunteers on International Women’s Day.
Four of the region’s brigades are led by female captains, with Kaylene Stocks recently elected to lead the Winchelsea brigade, joining Niki Habibis at St Leonards-Indented Head brigade, Ali Jordan at Highton and Helen Wood at Barwon Heads.
Ms Stocks dropped 52kg to join the CFA, where her daughter, sister, brother-in-law and father were volunteers
“I always wanted to join, but I was quite big so I made it my goal to join once I had lost weight,” she said.
“It’s great — sometimes we’re three generations on the same truck.
“At last year’s Mt Mercer fire, Dad drove the truck and I was the crew leader of an all-female crew and we did it, we were there all day working on that fire just like everyone else.”
Ms Jordan, elected Highton brigade’s first female captain late last year, first joined as a 16-year-old operational member.
“I grew up in the brigade as my dad has been a member for 30 years and is also an ex-captain,” she said.
“I certainly didn’t think I’d be the brigade’s first female captain, but it’s such an honour and I hope I can be a role model to other females in leadership roles.”
CFA chief executive Natalie MacDonald said the four district captains exemplified this year’s IWD theme Choose to Challenge.
“CFA’s women are great role models showcasing the strength, determination, diversity of skill and adaptability of women to the whole Victorian community and beyond,” Ms MacDonald said.
“International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to recognise what women bring to our organisation and these women have all made extraordinary contributions as leaders of their brigades and communities.
“However, it’s not just up to women to challenge structures that can hold them back, it’s up to everyone.”