Future leaders blaze a trail

By Ryan Bellingham

Mar 19, 2025

Local students recently participated in a program that aims to build emergency skills and resilience. Pictured is: Zac Dentler and Logan Wild. Photo by Ryan Bellingham

Youth from around the region participated in the Girls on Fire Program at Echuca CFA and Moama RFS from Monday, March 17 to Tuesday, March 18.

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The program works with schools, emergency services, regional towns, and all kinds of youth-related organisations to introduce young people to fire and emergency management.

It aims to build community resilience, teamwork and leadership skills while outlining career pathways into fire and emergency services.

Hands-on activities, such as live fire extinguishing, water drills, first aid training, and physical aptitude tests were offered throughout the program.

Around 20 students from Echuca College and Deniliquin High School joined in the action over two days.

Volunteers from emergency services, including the CFA, SES, NSW Rural Fire Service, and Forest Fire Management Victoria lent their time and expertise to the program.

A group shot taken by drone of students and volunteers at Moama RFS station. Photo: Joh Paynter.

A live fire extinguishing activity at Echuca CFA. Photo by Ryan Bellingham

Students took part in a physical aptitude test at Moama RFS, replicating the physical aspects of an emergency responder's job. Photo by Ryan Bellingham

Girls On Fire founder Bronnie Mackintosh is a station officer at FRNSW Mossman, and started the program after receiving a scholarship to research diversity in fire services.

The program has been running for seven years and is currently on a six-week road show, stopping by different towns and calling for community members to join, particularly girls aged between 15 and 19.

The initiative was coordinated by Murray River Council’s community recovery officer in partnership with Campaspe Shire Council and headspace Echuca.

Murray River Council mayor John Harvie said he was pleased the council was delivering an engaging program to support the community.

“The Girls on Fire program is a fantastic initiative that can empower young people with leadership, confidence and invaluable skills to apply in emergency response efforts,” he said.

“It’s great to see these future leaders stepping up — well done to all involved.”