Girls on Fire Ignites Passion, Skills, and Purpose at Albury High

Thank you to Albury High School for their thoughtful write-up on the recent Girls on Fire camp.

Here it is in their own words for the Albury High Careers website. 

Girls on Fire Ignites Passion, Skills, and Purpose at Albury High

Posted on: 10 April, 2025

A Day of Action, Teamwork, and Future-Focused Learning

In a powerful display of courage, teamwork and hands-on learning, students from Albury High School took part in the inspiring Girls on Fire program — a nationally recognised initiative that empowers young women through emergency services training and career exploration.

Held in partnership with PCYC Albury, Thurgoona Rural Fire Service, Albury Rescue Squad, and the NAB Foundation, the event gave participants an authentic taste of life on the frontline of community service.

 Morning at PCYC – Challenge Accepted!

The morning sessions at PCYC Albury were fast-paced and team-oriented. Students were divided into small groups and faced a series of physical and practical challenges designed to test their communication, coordination, and resilience:

• Suit Up Simulation: Each group raced to correctly gear up in full firefighting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), learning how to don the critical layers safely and quickly.
• Obstacle Course: With teamwork and time limits, the girls tackled a course mimicking physical demands of emergency response work.
• Fire Blanket & Extinguisher Training: Under guidance, students learned how to safely extinguish small fires using correct techniques and tools.
• Fire Hose Handling: Girls experienced the power and control needed to operate a firefighting hose and practiced directing water flow accurately.

The combination of physical challenge and skill development set the stage for an action-packed afternoon of advanced emergency services training.

 Afternoon at Thurgoona RFS – Four Dynamic Workstations

In the afternoon, students travelled to the Thurgoona Rural Fire Service, where they rotated through four expertly led workstations, each offering a deep dive into frontline emergency operations:

1. Search and Rescue Simulation
   In full PPE, students learned how to move through simulated low-visibility environments to locate and assist individuals in distress.
2. Drone Technology in Tactical Firefighting
   Students were introduced to drone operations, including how thermal imaging and aerial surveillance support large-scale firefighting operations — and even got to pilot the drones themselves.
3. Hydraulic Rescue – ‘Jaws of Life’
   Working with the Albury Rescue Squad, students operated life-saving equipment to simulate extrications, gaining respect for the precision and power required.
4. Fire Truck Walkthrough
   Students explored the ins and outs of a fully equipped fire truck — from hose reels to pump systems and crew communication tools.

 “We believe every young person has a spark within”

The Girls on Fire program lives by this message — and the Albury High students proved it. From problem-solving in PPE to extinguishing live flames, these young women embraced every challenge, demonstrated resilience, and left inspired by the possibilities of a career in emergency services.

A heartfelt thank you to all those who made this day possible — especially the PCYC Albury team. Girls on Fire organisers- Mel and Bronnie, NSW RFS Thurgoona, Albury Rescue Squad, the NAB Foundation, and our dedicated mentors and emergency service professionals.

This event lit a spark in every participant — a spark of courage, community, and a future filled with possibility.

Isn't that great? 

We'd also like to thank The Border Mail for their article, Female students embrace firefighting at Girls on Fire in Albury. We also appreciate Channel 7 Border News for covering the camp and helping share the story of how young people are getting hands-on experience in emergency services.

It's great to see local media recognising the value of programs that build confidence, skills, and community connection.

If you’d like to know when Girls on Fire camps are happening in your area, head to https://events.girlsonfire.org.au/events.

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