On 27 May 2025, Girls on Fire Australia delivered an empowering one-day event at Yiraaldiya, hosted by National Parks and Wildlife NSW. The event brought together 40 young participants from nine different schools, supported by 30 dedicated volunteers. Special guests included representatives from the NSW Office for Women and Cultural Facilitator Aunty Erin. 

This was a powerful day of hands-on learning, confidence building, and career exploration in the fire and emergency services sector.

Objectives of the Yiraaldiya Program

• Inspire young women and diversity allies to explore career pathways in fire and emergency services

• Build practical skills in emergency response, safety, and leadership
  

• Promote cultural connection and land management knowledge through First Nations perspectives
  

• Increase community resilience by equipping participants with life-saving knowledge
  

• Provide a safe and supportive environment for young people to build confidence
  

The day was designed to give participants a chance to try out real-world emergency scenarios and learn directly from professionals in the field. Activities were delivered in two rounds, rotating between teams.

Morning Activities:

• Smoking Ceremony: Honouring culture and connection to First Nations culture and the wonderful Yiraaldyia lands  

• Hose Work: Learning hose rolling, bowling, and the live reel technique
  

• Fire Extinguishers: Trying different extinguishing mediums and understanding their uses
  

• Breathing Apparatus Maze: Practising search and rescue skills in a simulated environment
  
  

Afternoon Activities:

• Burn Table Demonstration: Exploring land management and dry firefighting methods
  

• First Aid & Patient Care: Learning the basics of first response medical care
  

• Road Crash Rescue: Discovering how to respond in serious car crash situations
  

An optional station covered radio communications, bush navigation, and map reading.

The day finished with a debrief session where students reflected on what they’d learned, discussed emergency preparedness at home, and took part in a Q&A to plan their next steps.

How did we do? 

• 40 students participated in a fully immersive, skill-building experience
  

• 9 schools were represented including Asquith High School, Blaxland High School, Caroline Chisholm College, Cranebrook High School,  Richmond Agricultural Centre, Rouse Hill High School, St Mary’s Flexible School, St Clair High School, and Xavier College Llandilo. 
  

• 30 volunteers contributed to the safe and smooth delivery of the program from NPWS, Fire and Rescue NSW, and NSW Rural Fire Service. 

• A smoking ceremony and cultural input from Aunty Erin added a vital connection to Country and cultural learning.
  

• The NSW Office for Women attended, highlighting the program's alignment with state priorities on women’s leadership and inclusion. 
  
  

 Youth Worker Jodi Grant from St Mary’s Flexible School shared:

“Your program is one of the best I have ever attended. It was truly heartwarming to see our young girls so engaged, stepping out of their comfort zones, and challenging themselves in such a positive environment… Thank you for creating such a meaningful and empowering experience—we’re so grateful to have been a part of it.”

The Yiraaldiya Program was made possible via the Investing in Women Funding Program from the NSW government.