Founder Bronnie Mackintosh received a Churchill Fellowship to research diversity in fire services. Inspired by U.S. girls’ fire camps, she created Girls on Fire.
Bronnie pitched the idea of girls fire camps to NSW Fire and Rescue, NSW Rural Fire Service, SES, Air Services Australia, and National Parks and Wildlife, who are eager to lend their support.
The first Girls Fire and Emergency Services (GFES) Camp is held at YMCA Camp Yarramundi, with hands-on fire and rescue training. Monash University studied its impact.
Launched Virtually Possible, an online fire safety program during COVID-19.
Face-to-face girls fire camps are run in Brewarrina, Kemspey, and Dubbo. Girls on Fire also offers NSW school leavers customised virtual classes with support from the NSW Education Department and the Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP).
With the help of NAB Foundation as a key sponsor and advice from the Australian Business Volunteers network, Girls on Fire launched a 20-stop NSW roadshow of girls fire camps and cultural inclusion camps.
The Rainbow Fire and Resilience Program is held during Pride Month, welcoming LGBTQIA+ youth from Sydney and surrounds. New Zealand, Victoria, and Queensland experience first fire camps.
Received NSW Investing in Women grant to trial programs in Juvenile Justice and offer the first vocational eight week programs. NAB Foundation renewed funding, and leadership expanded with a CEO and Operations Manager.
By 2028, Girls on Fire aims to provide national employment and volunteer pathways, strengthening communities across Australia.
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.
