Changing of the guard, females inspire future generation of firefighters

Tracy McVea, the First Lieutenant of the town’s Urban Fire Brigade often tours schools teaching them about fire safety.

The ‘fireman-lady’ in her big truck inspires the next generation of boys and girls alike to consider supporting the town when they grow up.

Ms McVea said over her seven years with Victoria’s Country Fire Authority she’s seen a huge cultural shift in the once male-orientated organisation.

“There’s been a lot of change, more and more women are coming on board in leadership positions because they’re being voted in,” Ms McVea said.

“Obviously there’s still more we can do to get more women into volunteer positions, not necessarily leadership positions or even fire fighting positions, there’s a lot more and women who don’t want to go out and fight fire can do.”

Wodonga Leading Fire Fighter Claire Healy is also inspiring volunteers as one of only a few females to pass the “gruelling” assessment and qualify as Station Officer.

Wodonga Officer in Charge Ashley Mills said Mrs Healy and Ms McVea were strong leaders in the organisation.

“To see those achievements stirs people up in the region to join and helps people to see we are changing the culture within the organisation,” he said.

Ms McVea said her gender had never been an issue with volunteers or leaders.

She said the only confusion came during her regular school talks, where she gained the ‘fireman-lady’ nickname. 

“It’s a great way to be a part of the community,” she said.

“You make some great friendships which I think makes it better in crewing situations, you know you’ve got each others back.

“I don’t think it’s healthy for it to be all female or all male, it’s good to have a mix of sexes to give a broad overview to incidents, women may see things differently to a male.”

Mrs Healy would be taking on Acting Station Officer roles in Wodonga over the next few months.

She said diversity was key in the organisation.

“Being a woman wouldn’t bring that much of a difference to the role, everyone is trained to an equal standard,” Mrs Healy said. 

“It is important to show people in the community that anyone can do the job whether male or female.”