Hunter girls fired up for their futures

The Minns Labor Government is empowering young women and girls in Newcastle and the Hunter to seek opportunities in emergency services through the Girls on Fire program, funded as part of our continued investment in women's advancement.

Girls on Fire received over $180,000 in funding under the government's Investing in Women grants, to provide teenage girls in regional and remote areas with a hands-on, practical program of what it's like working in emergency services.

The 9-week program includes training in real-world fire and emergency skills, disaster preparedness across urban fire, bushfire, flood and climatic impact, and support with applications to volunteer or work with emergency agencies.

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison dropped in on the workshop this week and observed the impact the program has had building local girls' leadership skills and confidence.

The Girls on Fire program has run successfully in South Western Sydney, Casino, Moree, Walgett, Wilcannia, Tamworth and Albury, and has now made its way to Newcastle and the Hunter. Some 500 girls have so far participated in the program, which is set to be delivered in Western Sydney next year.

The NSW Government's Investing in Women Funding program provided $2.6 million in funding to seven organisations across New South Wales for projects that advance the role, status and contribution of women and girls in our communities.

It forms a key component of the NSW Women's Strategy which prioritises women's employment participation, health and wellbeing and empowerment.

The Minns Government is working to boost women's economic opportunities, employment and advancement, including:

• Investing in Supporting Women in Business programs to increase women's skills and confidence to support them in achieving their business goals.
• Supporting the development of the Women-Owned Enterprises Australia Supplier Network, a hub for women-led businesses of all sizes to increase their visibility.
• Re-establishing the NSW Working Women's Centre to protect women's rights at work.

To learn more about the Investing in Women Funding program, go to: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/investing-women-funding-program

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

"Welcoming this program to the region is a proud moment for the Hunter and a big step toward getting more women into our emergency services which are so vital to our communities.

"We know the calibre of women in the Hunter - strong, capable and committed to their communities - and those qualities are what these roles require.

"When more women are there in the hardest moments of people's lives, we're building a frontline that better reflects the community it serves and delivers the kind of support that really matters. This program is about backing local women in and giving them the opportunity to step forward."

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

"The Minns Government is working to increase gender diversity in non-traditional roles, such as emergency services, and provide women and girls with opportunities to pursue whatever career they aspire to.

"Girls on Fire is an exciting program that we've funded to provide regional girls with hands-on experience in emergency and disaster response. It not only teaches practical skills, it also provides leadership development and wellbeing support, building girls' resilience and confidence.

"This program will enable these young girls to take tangible steps towards achieving their personal aspirations and pave a pathway for a future in the sector."

Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr MP said:

"This program is an exciting opportunity for young women in regional areas to seek hands-on, practical training in emergency services and disaster response.

"This 9-week program will enable young women to take steps towards achieving their dreams to work in emergency services and disaster preparedness."

Girls on Fire CEO Bronnie Mackintosh said:

"Girls on Fire is proud to welcome Minister Jodie Harrison to our Vocational Pathways Program and to showcase the incredible potential of young women exploring futures in fire, emergency services and leadership.

"The 9-week Vocational Pathways Program gives young women the time, space and support to build real confidence, develop practical skills and see themselves as capable leaders. It's not just a one-day experience - it's a journey that creates lasting impact, stronger connections, and genuine pathways into future opportunities.

"The program highlights the importance of creating pathways, building confidence and investing in regional young people so they can see what is possible for their future."