On 8th April, over 300 Year 11 students at NBSC Freshwater Senior Campus took part in the school’s high-energy Life Ready program—a 25-hour course designed to prepare students for life after school. One of the standout moments? A fast-paced, hands-on Fire & Resilience session led by Girls on Fire, with support from Fire and Rescue NSW and the SES.
Across 75-minute sessions, students rolled hoses, handled fire extinguishers, and pushed their limits in full firefighting gear, sprinting through relays and learning how to work as a team. They even tackled challenges in simulated smoke-filled conditions, gaining a real feel for the kind of teamwork and communication needed in emergency situations.
The day wasn’t just exciting—it was empowering. Students built confidence, tested their fitness, and explored what it might be like to step into the world of fire and emergency services.
Life Ready is all about preparing senior students for life beyond the school gate, with practical lessons in study skills, safety, car maintenance, and independence. Girls on Fire added a powerful dose of adrenaline, real-world learning, and future career inspiration to the mix.
"Girls on Fire/Fire resilience NSW has become an integral part of the Yr 11 Life Ready program at Freshwater Senior Campus. The sessions delivered enable students to develop collaborate skills through team work, undertake challenging activities and develop resilience. This is one of the most highly rated sessions of the day. Thanks Bronnie and team!" shared Catherine Moran, Deputy Principal.
“The Life Ready Program at NBSC Freshwater Senior Campus has become a highlight of my year. Getting to work with over 300 students on firefighting and emergency skills, mixing real life skills and a proper taste of what young people’s futures is challenging but rewarding. I love how sports, science, and a love of social science and community collide at every Girls on Fire camp in such a powerful way,” said Girls on Fire founder Bronnie Mackintosh.
Girls on Fire has experience working with schools to align our programming with the NSW Department of Education’s Life Ready framework. This includes delivering engaging, age-appropriate sessions that meet the 25-hour requirement for senior students in Years 11 and 12. Our activities are tailored to suit the specific needs of each school cohort and are designed in consultation with students and school leadership. All programs are Principal-approved and meet policy standards, including the Controversial Issues in Schools policy. Our workshops support wellbeing, career pathways, inclusion, and practical safety, making us a strong partner in preparing young people for life beyond school.
Program Activity: Diverse Teams Activity
Curriculum Elements:
1.2 Assess personal strengths
2.1 Show respect for others
2.2 Challenge inequity/discrimination
6.1 Develop respectful relationships
Session Plan:
Role-playing and discussions to reflect on strengths, respect diverse perspectives, and identify discrimination.
Outcomes:
Improved self-awareness, empathy, and ability to build inclusive and respectful teams.
Program Activity: Functional Fitness Relay
Curriculum Elements:
1.3 Build positive thinking
1.2 Evaluate services/resources
4.1 Demonstrate resilience
6.1 Develop respectful relationships
Session Plan:
Physical activities and reflection to promote positive mindsets, resilience, and problem-solving.
Outcomes:
Strengthens mental wellbeing, decision-making, and team collaboration.
Program Activity: Fire & Emergency Operation Drills
Curriculum Element:
3.1 Evaluate contextual influences
Session Plan:
Analysis of how environment, culture, and norms impact emergency behaviours.
Outcomes:
Better understanding of disaster risks and personal roles in safety.
Program Activity: Fire Safety & Extinguishers
Curriculum Element:
5.2 Respond to harmful situations
Session Plan:
Hands-on fire extinguisher training and emergency scenarios.
Outcomes:
Practical skills to manage dangerous situations with confidence.
Program Activity: GOF Mentors & Facilitators
Curriculum Element:
6.2 Model positive values
Session Plan:
Facilitator-led mentorship sessions and peer learning.
Outcomes:
Builds leadership, inclusion, and values-driven behaviour.
Program Activity: Volunteer & Career Pathways
Curriculum Element:
7.2 Seek help and support
Session Plan:
Exploring volunteer roles, support services, and career options in emergency services.
Outcomes:
Pathway awareness and support-seeking behaviours.
Program Activity: First Responder Fundamentals
Curriculum Element:
7.3 Take personal responsibility
Session Plan:
Role-play and emergency scenarios focused on action and accountability.
Outcomes:
Encourages responsibility and proactive responses during crisis situations.
Girls on Fire delivers unforgettable Fire & Resilience programs in schools across NSW—for girls and boys—designed to build life skills, introduce fire and emergency services as exciting pathways, and leave students feeling strong, capable and ready for anything. Let’s bring the spark to your school.
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.
