At Girls on Fire, we believe in the power of young women to transform their communities. Our programs are designed to provide practical, emotional, and community-focused support, particularly in regional and remote areas like Brewarrina, Cobar, and Wilcannia. By aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5—Gender Equality—we aim to create pathways for young women to engage in meaningful work, build resilience, and reduce suffering in the face of disasters.
You might be surprised to know that all Girls on Fire programs are FREE to take part in. We made the decision early to make sure that being able to afford to come to a program was not going to be a barrier to enjoying our programs. By engaging youth early, we showcase fire and emergency in an experience-based way. Girls on Fire aim to reduce recruitment costs for emergency services and provide avenues of employment for regional and remote teens, especially those not pursuing university pathways. This approach not only creates jobs in local areas but also fosters a sense of purpose and belonging among participants.
Girls on Fire addresses the emotional challenges faced by young people, including feelings of powerlessness when it comes to their futures, leaving places they feel connected to to find work, and climate anxiety. Our programs offer a practical focus, providing a reason to connect with the community outside traditional structures like family, school, and sports. By giving girls and teens from underrepresented communities access to positive role models, we create environments that promote positive mental health and self-worth.
Girls on Fire programs are run by fire and emergency and youthwork professionals. Baked into what we do is practical information participants can take home to keep their family safe. Via fire plans, learning how to use an extinguisher, deploying fire blankets, and learning about everything from storm water safety to motor vehicle accident extraction, every teen goes home more aware of the risks and how to stay safe.
We also localise our content. Our initiatives enable communities to increase their disaster and emergency response capabilities. This is based on the challenges they face like bushfires, floods, land-based incidents, urban firefighting, and more.
By involving local youth in these programs, we provide agencies and townsfolk with a positive way to connect with young people. This collaborative approach creates a sense of unity and purpose, enhancing overall community resilience.
And we’re proud to say this translates into real interest and enrolment in everything from cadets through to junior SES and rural fire service programs.
To illustrate the effectiveness of our programs, we collect data and statistics showing the extent of the problems we're tackling. For instance, youth unemployment rates in regional Australia are significantly higher than the national average, with some areas experiencing rates up to 40% higher Ozspark Hub. Additionally, mental health challenges among Aboriginal youth are pressing, with a significant percentage reporting feelings of hopelessness and anxiety National Indigenous Times.
We focus on regional areas and places where Aboriginal and CaLD youth are facing challenges. Through our programs, we aim to alleviate these issues by providing job training, mental health support, and disaster preparedness initiatives. Testimonials from participants and case studies highlight the positive impact on individuals and communities, demonstrating the broad public benefit of our work.
By providing young women with access to jobs, mentorship, and disaster preparedness skills, we help communities become stronger, safer, and more inclusive.
Girls on Fire is more than just a program—it's a movement empowering young woman to lead, connect, and transform their communities. By providing financial, emotional, and practical support, we are creating a future where regional and remote youth have the opportunities and resources to thrive. Together, we can reduce suffering and build resilient communities for generations to come.
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.
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.
Check out all the fun and action at the Toowoomba Girls on Fire program presented by Girls on Fire, all thanks to NAB and local fire & emergency agencies.
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.
