We empower young women and disadvantaged youth with fire and emergency skills, introduce local vocational and volunteer pathways, and inspire them to keep their communities safe.
Girls on Fire empowers girls and young people (14–19) in regional and remote areas (72% of participants) to learn about emergency services, including firefighting, rescue, flood management, and disaster response.
Hands-on programs: We deliver free one- and two-day school programs, cultural inclusion programs, and eight-week vocational pathways, giving participants practical skills to help their communities stay safe.
Early intervention and prevention: Our programs build confidence, resilience, and community connection, protective factors against disengagement, unemployment, and social isolation.
Pathways out of disadvantage: Participants gain vocational training, leadership, teamwork, and emergency response skills that open doors to work, volunteering, and further education.
Social and cultural change: We challenge gender stereotypes, promote equality, and increase inclusion in male-dominated emergency sectors.
Community resilience and wellbeing: By equipping young women and marginalised youth to contribute locally, we strengthen individual wellbeing and broader community cohesion.
Positive Role Models
Girls on Fire connects young people with local fire and emergency service personnel, Indigenous mentors, and diverse leaders. Seeing strong role models in action shows them “what you see, you can be” and where to find guidance on emergency careers.
Community Safety & Youth Engagement
Participants play an active role in keeping their towns safe. Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to be affected by disasters — around 1.4 million Australian children experience a disaster or extreme weather event each year, with mental health, education, and housing impacts costing $3.1 billion annually. NSW SES responds to over 26,000 call-outs each year, and the average age of a firefighter in Queensland is 54 — highlighting the need for a new generation of skilled responders.
Employment Pathways & Local Opportunities
Girls on Fire introduces young people to local jobs and volunteer roles in emergency services they may not have considered, including non-traditional roles for women and underrepresented groups. By reflecting the communities they serve, participants not only build confidence, leadership, teamwork, and practical emergency skills, but also contribute to stronger disaster prevention and safety strategies at home. These programs reduce vocational distress, create meaningful local opportunities, encourage youth to stay on Country, and strengthen regional communities.
Bronnie Mackintosh is an award-winning firefighter, community leader, and former international rugby player who has dedicated over two decades to serving and empowering others. With more than 20 years of experience in Fire and Rescue NSW, Bronnie has carved out a reputation as a trailblazer in the emergency services sector, championing diversity, equity, and inclusion at every level.
She is the Founder and CEO of Girls on Fire Australia, a national not-for-profit organisation that inspires and equips young women and underrepresented communities to explore firefighting and emergency services. Her programs break down barriers, build resilience, and empower the next generation of changemakers—especially in regional and disaster-prone communities across Australia.
Bronnie’s impact also extends to the global stage. She’s delivered a powerful TEDx talk on creating inclusive pathways into male-dominated industries, drawing on her lived experience as both a firefighter and a professional athlete. As a former Wallaroo (Australia’s national women’s rugby union team), she brings the same grit, teamwork, and leadership she honed on the field to every aspect of her work.
People are inspired by Bronnie’s authenticity, energy, and practical insights. She brings a unique blend of on-the-ground experience, lived resilience, and system-changing innovation that leaves a lasting impression. Her passion for building inclusive, future-ready communities makes her a sought-after voice in leadership, gender equity, and disaster resilience.
As Business Operations Manager, Rebekah Lambert works in the engine room to support program delivery, sustainability, and scaling. She manages program coordination, volunteers, marketing, and committee and stakeholder relations. With 25+ years’ experience in community management, strategy, and creative campaigns, Rebekah has led projects in social change and inclusion and served as a first responder of a different kind through crisis support at Lifeline. She also serves on the Lake Illawarra CMP Implementation Group. Rebekah believes storytelling, community, and street-level action can change the world.
As Wellbeing Officer, Melissa supports the emotional, physical, and psychological wellbeing of everyone involved in the program. She provides daily wellbeing activities, welfare checks, mental health guidance, and first aid response. With expertise in community services, youth work, disability support, and trauma-informed care, Melissa has led LGBTIQA+ youth programs. She holds a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, certifications in Mental Health First Aid, Youth Mental Health, Mental Health Response, Lifeline’s Accidental Counsellor program, and is a trained Fire Safety Officer. Mel's passion is helping young people feel safe, confident, and supported.
Elle is the Projects and Admin Coordinator, ensuring programs run smoothly behind the scenes so the team can focus on inspiring young people. A great day for Elle is building successful connections and partnerships across diverse communities. Skilled in trauma-informed care, empathy, and active listening, she approaches every interaction with understanding. With a talent for streamlining processes, organising details, and using technology effectively, Elle makes complex logistics simple, empowering the team to deliver programs seamlessly while supporting young women and the wider community.
Promoting empowerment through inclusive fire, flood, and emergency training. We offer a wide variety of programs and offerings to make that happen.
Are you in fire and emergency services, working with youth, a previous Girls on Fire graduate or interesting in volunteering at Girls on Fire?
Your support contributes to economic empowerment & gender equity by enabling us to deliver our programs to even more young women.
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.
