On July 9th, something powerful sparked at the Bangholme Victorian Emergency Training Centre. 56 participants and 35 mentors and volunteers coming together to learn, lead, and light the way forward.

The Girls on Fire Fire and Resilience Program brought together students from 33 schools across Victoria and created an unforgettable day of learning, courage, and community connection. All thanks to NAB and the CFA for creating a hugely successful Bangholme Girls Fire and Resilience Program.

Here’s how we mixed the magic and put on our biggest ever Girls on Fire program!

From 33 Schools to One Team

Students came from across the state — from Ballarat to Bendigo, from the bayside to the outer suburbs. Schools like Avila College, Berry Street School, Elisabeth Murdoch College, and Preston High School were just some of the 33 involved.

This wasn't just a school excursion. This was hands-on, real-world emergency training. And the girls showed up ready to work, learn, and push themselves.

Action, Not Just Awareness

The day kicked off with an Acknowledgment of Country and welcome, followed by group orientation and a safety briefing. From there, things moved quickly into a full-scale fire and emergency services immersion.

Participants rotated through activities like:

• Breathing apparatus (BA) training
• TIC (thermal imaging camera) search and rescue
• Firefighter relay and problem solving
• Controlled fire scenario props
• First aid and patient triage
• SES storm rescue simulations
• SIM table (incident command training)
• And a showcase of emergency vehicles, including the iconic UniMOG and G-Wagon

It was sweaty, fiery, team-based and totally fun and unforgettable.

The Results Speak Volumes

Girls on Fire run our programs to grow a youth-led approach to disaster awareness and introduce young people to meaningful careers.

• 80% of participants reported stronger emergency awareness and preparation, including confidence calling Triple Zero and providing first aid.
• 80% said they now understand how to support vulnerable community members during a crisis.
• 80% left feeling more confident in their ability to act in emergency situations.

They didn’t just learn. They became part of the solution. And that’s what makes it all worthwhile.

Photos from our wonderful friends at the CFA. 

Learning That Lasts

Participants reflected on the day’s impact:

“I want to make a safe plan and get my younger sister involved with this program when the time comes.”

“Whenever I can, I’ll always tell people about fire safety. I’ll continue to encourage my friends and family to get involved with the community and CFA to help keep everyone safe.”

“I want to share what I have learnt.”

Others couldn’t stop recommending the program:

“Don’t be afraid to try it out. No matter what anyone tells you, you are capable of more than you know — and Girls on Fire really shows you that.”

“It’s so fun — and you learn a lot.”

“It makes you feel included, welcome and empowered. I’d do it every day if I could.”

The Power Behind the Program

The event was supported by assets from across the emergency services spectrum, including:

• SES: Women in Rescue
• EMV: Emergency Management Victoria
• CFA: Give Us a Hand
• FFMVic: Rappel Crew, PFF Rebecca, Caroline, Georgia, 2023 highlights, more 2023, IWD 2021
• FRV: Fire Rescue Victoria
• AV: Ambulance Victoria
• NAB: Girls on Fire Partnership video
• Girls on Fire: Case Study

With 35 mentors and volunteers working behind the scenes, the program ran on passion, professionalism, and a commitment to future-focused learning.

Even the Honourable Mark Dreyfus MP, Member for Isaacs, took an interest — a reminder that programs like this are critical for our future emergency resilience.

Photo supplied by Mark Dreyfus. 

Want to Book a Program?

Girls on Fire is ready to bring the Fire and Resilience Program to your community, school, or region.

If you want your students to walk away stronger, more confident, and ready to step up in a crisis, get in touch.