CFA north east launch women’s networking group

By Contributed

Mar 6, 2023

Great day: Members from CFA’s north east region gathered at Benalla’s Lakeside Community Centre to launch a new Women’s Networking Group. Photo by Contributed

More than 70 volunteers and staff from CFA’s North East region gathered in Benalla in February to launch a joint District 23 and 22 Women’s Networking Group.

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Designed to connect women from across the area, the group offers the opportunity to share experiences, train together and effect real change within CFA.

A driving force behind the group’s creation has been 4th Lieutenant Janene Ridley who has been passionately advocating for women in CFA for some time.

As the current D23 representative on the statewide Women’s Advisory Committee, Janene meets regularly with CFA’s chief executive officer Natalie McDonald and Cchief officer Jason Heffernan.

“The turnout for the launch of the new Women’s Networking Group demonstrated that there are many (women) members who are interested in sharing their expertise to support one another,” Janene said.

“It’s important that we keep the momentum going right now, so we’re inviting all women within D23 and D22 to join our online meetings to help us work toward making the changes we want to see within CFA.”

The event featured guest speakers including Pitjantjatjara woman Donna Sherwen.

After learning about cultural burning from Donna and how to tackle challenges in 10 easy steps, from other speakers, a panel was formed to take questions from attendees.

“This was an excellent opportunity to hear where CFA is heading in the future, and for participants to clear any reservations they had and share their experiences,” Janene said.

Presentations were concluded by the Personal Protective Clothing (PPC) review team consisting of Danny Jones, head of Fleet and Protective Equipment, Nicki Lund, Wildfire PPC project manager, and Chris Britton, manager supply chain and logistics.

The team presented a sample of the new next generation wildfire PPC and gave an overview of the State Logistics Centre and Structural PPC.

“The launch was made possible from funding secured through the Valuing Volunteers Program,” Janene said.

“We also wish to thank all the participants who journeyed to Benalla for the event, and we look forward to the launch of the new District 12 network in the coming months.”

For more information about the D23 & D22 Women’s Networking Group find it at facebook.com/groups/d23d22wng.