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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
Are you an adult in the Riverina exploring your employment and career options? Girls on Fire is offering a free, hands-on program in Wagga for adults to explore careers in fire, flood & emergency services. Open to all, hosted by SES Ashmont and supported by Workforce Australia. Find out more now.
Girls on Fire empowers young women through free regional training that builds confidence, jobs, and disaster resilience across Australia.
Are you 15 or 16, volunteering with your local fire service, and passionate about making a difference? This could be your chance to share your story with the world. Find out more now.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live. Girls on Fire pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.
