Emerald Fire Brigade volunteer Katrina Cree encourages other women to give firefighting a go. 50465
By Casey Neill
WOMEN with a firefighting career in their sights can find out the facts at a free information session next week.
The 5 August event will give aspiring female firefighters an insight into the CFA life.
Emerald Fire Brigade volunteer Katrina Cree encouraged women to join.
“Don’t underestimate yourself. Just get out there and do it,” she said.
“People accept you for what you’re willing and capable of doing. It doesn’t matter whether you’re male or female.”
The 38-year-old joined the brigade more than 11 years ago.
She’d “never even considered it whatsoever” before meeting her husband and CFA member, Matt.
“I thought ‘well you know what, if he can do it, so can I’,” she said.
Ms Cree enjoys everything about firefighting.
“It’s camaraderie, it’s problem solving, it’s stepping outside your boundaries,” she said.
“It’s doing things you never thought you would be able to do.”
She said it was the little things that mattered to people.
“It could just be helping someone move a basket of washing out of their burnt laundry, and they’re just so grateful to have that support,” she said.
“It’s all just being part of life and being there when someone needs you.”
Ms Cree is one of seven females in the 40-strong Emerald crew.
“You just don’t even think about it. We’re just members and everyone treats us like that,” she said.
“It actually doesn’t matter if you’re a male or female. If you can do the job, do it.”
The CFA has more than 500 career firefighters working in 30 stations in metropolitan Melbourne and regional areas in addition to 58,000 volunteers.
The information evening will run from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Etihad Stadium.
Call Pam Mitchell on 9262 8841 to register.
