On August 12th and 13th, sixty young people, 30 mentors, and volunteers, and the Girls on Fire team came together to learn, lead, and build confidence in fire, emergency, and resilience skills.

The Girls on Fire Fire and Resilience Program brought students from 15 schools across Toowoomba together for two days of hands-on learning, teamwork, and connection. Big thanks to NAB and our partners – QLD RFS, QLD Fire & Rescue, QLD Parks & Wildlife, QLD Police, QLD Ambulance, Air Services, and other community organisations – for making it happen.

Let's check out all the action of the two day mentor training and Girls Fire and Resilience Program in Toowoomba now! 

More train the trainer  

Day one was all about mentors. Seventeen mentors joined the induction day to prepare for the program. They explored team building, facilitation, inclusion, safety, and youth empowerment. By the end of the day, mentors were feeling confident, inspired, and ready to guide the participants.

Toowoomba sees girls’ shine

Day two was the main event. Thirty students rotated through a variety of hands-on activities, including:

• Breathing apparatus drills and radio communications with ARFF
• Firefighter problem solving
• Land management relays with Parks and Wildlife
• Blue Frog tabletop scenarios with QLD RFS
• Flaim fire simulator training with QLD RFS
• Ambulance first aid and emergency response activities
• Firefighter team relay and other fitness challenges

Alongside the practical activities, participants joined sessions on superpowers, teamwork, confidence, and leadership, plus social activities like group introductions, photo opportunities, and certificates to celebrate their achievements.

Taking the skills home

Participants gained practical skills they can use at home and in the community, including:

• Using fire extinguishers and emergency equipment
• Understanding fire behaviour and safety procedures
• Responding calmly in an emergency
• Applying first aid and the recovery position
• Supporting vulnerable people in their community

Many students left feeling proud, fit, and confident. Some are now exploring cadet programs, volunteering opportunities, or careers in emergency services.

Mentors loved seeing participants grow in confidence and teamwork, learning from emergency services professionals, and connecting across agencies. While they suggested small improvements for logistics and role clarity, everyone agreed the program was highly valuable.

Some special visitors came, too!

Local leaders also visited, including Toowoomba Mayor Geoff McDonald and Federal Member for Groom, Garth Hamilton MP, and the program received coverage on ABC Southern QLD and Channel 7 Toowoomba.

Two days, lots of learning, and a room full of sparks ready to shine. Thanks to NAB and all our partners, the Toowoomba Girls on Fire program showed just how much young people can achieve when they’re given the skills, guidance, and confidence to lead.

Toowoomba Mayor Geoff McDonald.

Federal Member for Groom, Garth Hamilton MP.

Want more Girls on Fire action?

We’ve got a hot October and November program planned! Stay close to the EVENTS page and the newsletter for details.