International Women’s Day takes place on March 8 each year, as a celebration of the social, cultural, economic and political achievements of women across the globe.
About International Women's Day
At VICSES, we have many amazing women who contribute significantly to our organisation and their communities.
We are proud of our commitment to promoting diversity and working toward a more gender-balanced workplace, with 33% membership represented by women across Victoria.
The IWD 2025 campaign theme is #AccelerateAction.
Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively for #IWD2025 we can all #AccelerateAction.
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Kate Turner - VICSES Fawkner Unit Operations Officer, Operational Communications and Volunteer
"Say yes to the opportunities that come up! SES has allowed me to do things I never could have imagined"
What initially inspired you to work in emergency services?
I always knew I wanted a job where I could help people. For a long time, I thought I’d become a doctor, paramedic, or teacher. I grew up with a strong sense of service—my dad initially trained as a paramedic before serving in the Royal Australian Airforce, and my mum has always worked in public service.
When Victoria experienced the Mansfield earthquake in 2021, I saw a lot of SES coverage on the news and radio, and it felt like something I could do too. I think I signed up that same day, at the time being relatively new to Melbourne, and knowing that volunteering was a great way to connect with like-minded people.
After a few years volunteering with VICSES, an opportunity came up to work in the Volunteer Recruitment Team, and from there I moved into my current role in Operational Communications in 2024.
What do you like about your role?
I love that my role has a great blend of operational and project work, which means no two weeks ever look the same! One day, I might be deep in SAS improvements and back-to-back meetings; the next, I could be presenting to Triple Zero Victoria operators or heading out to visit one of our Units.
When severe weather hits, everything shifts. I often step into the State Duty Officer role, planning and overseeing large-scale operations across the state, or I’ll be on call as the Communications Duty Officer, supporting our volunteers and staff in the field.
My mind tends to run a million miles an hour, so having lots of moving pieces works for me!
What achievements during your time at VICSES are you most proud of?
After Tropical Cyclone Jasper hit in 2023, I deployed to Queensland with a crew of CFA and SES volunteers to help with building damage, downed trees, and flooding.
The devastation was unlike anything I’d ever seen - it looked like someone had twisted the tops off the trees and scattered the remains across houses and cars.
I was the only woman on my crew, but it wasn’t a factor. We all brought our own skills, strength, and support for one another, and I couldn’t have been prouder to work alongside them.
It was a physically and mentally demanding deployment, but the way we pulled together to help the community made it an experience I won’t forget.
What advice would you give to women who are thinking about getting involved at VICSES?
Say yes to the opportunities that come up! SES has allowed me to do things I never could have imagined - I never thought that sitting in a police helicopter, climbing on a roof, or cutting into a car were things I could do for work.
If it wasn’t meant for you, it wouldn’t have come your way. You never know what kind of weird and wonderful things will come of it, so say yes!
Raelene Billingsley ESM -VICSES Morwell Unit Operational Volunteer
"Out at jobs it wasn't whether I was male or female but someone in orange overalls that was capable of doing the job"
When was the moment you decided to become a VICSES volunteer?
In the early 1980's, I knew the Controller and that the Morwell Unit did rescues, and I wanted to join but had another commitment on Monday night so I had to wait for a few years I had the time available. Once I joined in 1991, I found that by working hard to gain new skills and knowledge and proving I was capable on the tools, I became an equal in a previously male dominated field.
Out at jobs it wasn't whether I was male or female but someone in orange overalls that was capable of doing the job.
How important is it to have women in leadership roles at VICSES, and other emergency services?
Women bring a different perspective to VICSES and a different Leadership style which is very important for balance. We need to be role models and mentors to demonstrate and encourage new women in the sector of what can be achieved.
Would you like to see VICSES continue to improve its gender balance?
VICSES needs to continue improving the gender balance and demonstrate that women as capable rescuers as our male counterparts. We need to break down any barriers that are holding women back, and encourage them to have a go and challenge themselves.
What is the biggest contribution or achievement you’ve made in your role?
There is so many memorable moments from the past 30 years, it's hard to pick one! Being the Road Crash Rescue (RCR) Team Leader that won the State Competition and then represented VICSES at a National RCR Challenge; Being the Crew Leader in Far North Queensland in the clean up after Cyclone Yasi; Being a tool operator during a protracted rescue of a passenger in a major truck/bus crash; and most recently, being asked to be the East Region representative on the Working Group for Women in Rescue 2023.
Laura Dewildt - VICSES Operations Officer
What do you love about working in your current role?
How important is it to have women in leadership roles at VICSES, and other emergency services?
It is incredibly important. Having people from diverse genders, ages, backgrounds and experience allows us to get a broader range of thought and input into problem solving and new ideas. It also helps us attract a diverse range of members into VICSES.
Would you like to see VICSES continue to improve its gender balance?
Absolutely. We can all influence this by being a role model and supporting the development of our future female members and leaders.
Karina Osgood - VICSES Volunteer Support Officer, Mallacoota Unit Controller & Bairnsdale Unit Officer
“I believe that as long as women are passionate about what we do, the leadership roles will follow.”
Describe the contrast in being a volunteer in a leadership role and then migrating over to also being a staff member?For me, it was all fuelled for passion for the service, for what we do at VICSES. As a Volunteer Support officer I advise unit controllers about their key responsibilities, something I’ve done myself at Bairnsdale. The controllers have more respect and understanding, knowing that I know where they are coming from and still have a passion for volunteering. Ultimately we are all here for the same purpose.
Have you seen more females in senior leadership positions in your region at VICSES in the last 5 years?
When I joined in 2016 there weren’t a whole lot of female leaders at VICSES out east, but by the time I took over as Bairnsdale unit controller there were several women in more senior positions. I believe that as long as women are passionate about what we do, the leadership roles will follow. Be willing to learn all the steps involved, and to adapt to each specific emergency situation you are called out to – your work will shine through.
Victoria’s east was majorly impacted during the 2019/2020 bushfire season – how did you deal with that as a volunteer and staff member, supporting other agencies?
The 2019/2020 bushfire season was a very strange time for me as a fresh staff member at VICSES. It was different, but we always work as one during significant, multi-agency events. We’ve got an amazing team in this area – between the Bairnsdale SES, CFA, as well as Lakes Entrance CFA, Bairnsdale Tech Rescue, and surrounding units. During that time, we all worked together and had enormous respect for the other emergency services. For any women coming up through the ranks or who want to volunteer at VICSES, touch base with women already in the service. During my first year as controller, I was asking for advice from many areas and many people, which helped a lot.
Caroline Taylor - VICSES South Barwon Unit Deputy Controller
“The opportunities have always been there, but barriers to reaching those opportunities over time have been broken down.”
What do you enjoy most about working for the community?It’s often the fact that we’re called at a time that a person is having one of their most terrible moments. The look of relief on an old couples face once you’ve responded to flooding that’s affected their house is so rewarding - you know that you’ve made a difference.
What motivates you?
Assisting the community and the people. it’s an amazing team environment. There are strong friendships that are formed at VICSES and so many shared experiences. We all come from different backgrounds, but share a united goal in terms of helping the community, which means that we all have something big in common.
Biggest challenges as a volunteer?
Proving yourself early on! When I first joined I remember people assuming that holding a pair of cutters would be too heavy for me, but anyone can do the job.
I love learning. If you’d had asked me before I started with VICSES if I could ever have the sort of skills of capabilities that I do now, like cutting people out of car wrecks, I wouldn’t have believed you. Then to be able to share those learnings and develop others is something I love.
What opportunities are there for women at VICES?
VICSES gives some amazing opportunities. I’ve been fortunate enough to develop amazing friendships, and a skill base I could never imagine.
I’ve also been fortunate enough to assist with deployments to the recent bushfires and head to Mallacoota as part of a rescue support team, and a road rescue team to Canberra on the fire ground there. I’ve also been deployed to assist other VICSES units for major storms and other significant incidents.
I’ve travelled to multiple countries for road rescue competitions to represent VICSES and Australia.
The opportunities have always been there, but the barriers to reaching those opportunities over time have been broken down.
Your advice to women wanting to join VICSES or the emergency services sector
My advice would be to absolutely give it a go. If this is what you want to do, you can do it!
It gives you a great opportunity to build your confidence and capability in what we do. With the right mentoring and skills there’s no reason you couldn’t be leading your own unit one day, or leading crews on the ground or whatever you want to do.
Goldie Pergl - VICSES Fawkner Unit Controller
"You're never in this alone, you're in it with your support network so make it a strong one."
What do you enjoy most about being a Unit Controller?
I enjoy being able to support and lead 63 incredible humans in helping their community. Being able to ensure they're safe, trained and supported is sometimes a difficult prospect but ultimately a hugely rewarding and enjoyable one.
What have been some of your proudest moments during your time with VICSES?
So many proud moments! Seeing units from all over the state come together for the Fund VICSES Campaign has definitely been a highlight, as has being involved with the Women in Rescue Program.
At a local level, truck driving, safe work at heights and chainsaw are my go-to happy places (and also things I never thought I'd do before joining VICSES!).
Do you have any advice for women who aiming to pursue a leadership role at VICSES?
Get in there and take every opportunity that you get. Make friends and mentors and reach out to them often. You're never in this alone, you're in it with your support network so make it a strong one.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
To me IWD is a celebration of what we've achieved, but also a chance to inspire inclusion—ensuring women have equal opportunities to lead, contribute, and thrive in emergency management.
Erin Wallace - VICSES Greater Dandenong Unit Deputy Controller
"We need to change what people think about the role of women."
What would be your advice to women wanting to join VICSES or the emergency services sector?
I do believe there is role for nearly every woman. While some roles may not suit everyone, but I would say “Please come along find out the many roles within VICSES”. There is something for everyone.
How do you think the general public view women’s roles as a VICSES Volunteer?
What I have found is, when we roll up to request for assistance at someone’s house, they can often be surprised at seeing 1 or 2 women standing there offering assistance. They naturally seem to just look, and then talk to male’s that are with us. But once they see us (women) using the equipment (e.g. a chainsaw), it’s a case of “oh wow ok look at the girls go for it”.
I have once or twice and explained that woman really can do nearly all jobs i.e.: roof jobs, searching for lost members of the public etc. We need to change what people think about the role of women.
What is the biggest contribution or achievement you’ve made in your role?
I think it’s being responsible for all our members within the VICSES Greater Dandenong Unit. I look after their safety, wellbeing and making sure there is no ill treatment towards them. I am proud that any member can come to me, and they do to air out any concerns they have, and chat over a coffee/tea in a safe environment. No bullying is tolerated within the Unit or the Service.
Lisa Keys - VICSES South Barwon Unit Deputy Controller - Operations
“Take every opportunity that you can, and draw on the confidence that people actually have in you.”
What has it been like having this leadership role during such an unusual time for VICSES?
It’s was a big year in 2020; we had a tornado right in the middle of the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, but we came through it. On the day it was about making sure we had the right crews out in Waurn Ponds with correct right skillsets – as a unit controller I ensured we were utilising some of our senior leaders and thanking other units that helped out, too. As a whole, it was also about making sure everyone was okay afterwards.
What is your advice to a junior VICSES member who wants to rise up the ranks as a female leader?
Take every opportunity that you can, and draw on the confidence that people actually have in you. During my journey, I wasn’t always confident about what I could achieve, but the men in the unit were just as encouraging as the women, and more than happy to see me succeed. I have never felt any gender bias at the South Barwon unit – if you are capable of doing the job, that’s all that matters here.
What do you think women uniquely bring to VICSES and other emergency services?
It’s really important to see the similarities between men and women, but also acknowledge and celebrate differences – and utilise that. As an organisation, it is great to see skills and approaches from many angles and experiences. It is enriching for all of us.
Kay Jayaweera - VICSES Manningham Unit Volunteer
After arriving in Australia ten years ago from Sri Lanka, I noticed VICSES crews at a community event and my journey to eventually applying with the Broadmeadows and later Manningham Units, began. It’s like a family away from family. Everyone is so welcoming and knowledgeable; I’ve felt really supported as I completed my training. Plus - I’m a pro at fixing tiled roofs and easily fitting into manholes now, after deployments to NSW, Echuca, Mildura and Swan Hill last year!
Your advice to women wanting to join VICSES or the emergency services sector?
When posting about what I get up to with VICSES on social media, a lot of my friends often say ‘you did what?!’ But if I can do it, then anyone can, what’s stopping you? You might be very good at it; you just don’t know it!
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
Giving back to the community is something that I take pride in, and International Women’s Day is reminder to our communities that we’re moving forward. It’s about learning from our mistakes and remembering the journey that women have been on, as well as the contributions we all continue to make.
We’re so lucky at Manningham Unit to have such supportive senior members and I’m proud to say I’m a member.
Ashika Menezes - VICSES Greater Dandenong Unit Deputy Controller - Operations
“It’s important to remember it’s not just giving back, you also get to learn a lot for yourself.”
What made you want to join VICSES?
Volunteering was always something I wanted to do. When I came to Australia from India and saw the devastation caused by the Queensland floods and bushfires in 2017, it triggered me to apply.
From the time I joined, it’s been amazing. There’s no pressure to do anything you’re not comfortable with and you can give as little or as much time as you want.
Your advice to women wanting to join VICSES or the emergency services sector?
It’s important to remember it’s not just giving back; you also get to learn a lot for yourself. There are certifications you can do through VICSES for free that can help you upskill in other areas of your life.
How does your unit support you?
Support from senior members at the unit has meant a lot to me, you can see they put in a lot of effort to check in and see if you’re okay. Over time these simple gestures can easily be forgotten but I see there’s a conscious effort to check in with members regularly. It’s also the little things, like putting hygiene products in the women’s bathrooms, that make all the difference.
What is your favourite time of the year as a VICSES member?
I really enjoy our Christmas parties – no work, no training, awards, and a lot of food!
Crystal Sanders - VICSES Horsham Unit Controller
“I am showing my kids that if you put your mind and passion into something, you can achieve almost anything.”
What is the most exciting part about being a unit controller?
I think the most exciting part about being a controller is the unexpected. That knowledge there will always be something different, surprising and sometimes challenging around the corner. I also love that as a Unit Controller I can assist the team to make moves and decisions to better the unit and take it to where it needs to be for the growing community and response area.
How do you balance being a Mum with being a leader at VICSES?
I will let you know when I figure this one out!
It’s definitely not an easy balance but an extremely rewarding one. I know that I am showing my kids that if you put your mind and passion into something, you can achieve almost anything. It’s also really helpful for this balance to have a great team working alongside me.
Do you think women feel more welcome and included in emergency services, compared to a decade ago?
Definitely, yes! I have been in the service for 15 years and the changes over that time have been remarkable. I have never really felt lesser for being female by any unit I have interacted with – however, it's the small changes that I have noticed. When I joined VICSES I didn't know a single female controller, but now here I am as Unit Controller, interacting with fellow women in other leadership roles.
Di Batley - VICSES Acting Assistant Chief Officer, Unit Support, Emergency Management, Community Engagement (Eastern Region)
“I'm proud to contribute to creating a more diverse, inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of gender, has the ability to excel”
What motivates you in your emergency services career?
The opportunity to make a direct, meaningful impact in people’s lives. There’s a great sense of purpose that comes from knowing my expertise, knowledge and compassion are making a real difference to the community.
As a woman in VICSES, I’m especially driven by the desire to break down barriers and challenge perceptions.
The emergency services industry can often be male-dominated, and I’m proud to contribute to creating a more diverse, inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of gender, has the ability to excel.
Can you tell us about some of your proudest moments from your time working at VICSES?
A couple of my proudest moments in VICSES is seeing our women developing and embracing leadership roles including Section Leaders, Deputy Controllers, Controllers and Staff into leadership positions.
And most recently having the opportunity to chair Women in Rescue. This passionate and driven group of women have again run another extremely successful program this year; seeing seven events run consecutively across the state in March, which included multi agency representation along with a very inclusive and diverse uptake.
What advice would you give to women aiming to grow into and pursue a leadership role in emergency services?
Women aiming for leadership roles in emergency services should pursue this path, confidently knowing that strength, resilience, and compassion have no gender, and that women can thrive in any role, especially in a field that requires quick decision-making and emotional intelligence.
In my experience, the journey to leadership in a male-dominated environment has required perseverance, grit, and a lot of resilience. My advice would be to continue to learn and hone your skills in all aspects of the role, and importantly be confident in your abilities.
Why is International Women’s Day important to you?
International Women’s Day is important because it serves as a reminder of both the progress I’ve made and the work still to be done in achieving true equality, especially in fields like emergency services, where women have historically been underrepresented.
It’s a day to celebrate the contributions, strength, and resilience of women who have paved the way and continue to break barriers.
Evette Davis - VICSES Chelsea Unit Deputy Controller
“I enjoy the opportunity to change people’s perceptions and opinions.”
Have you had any surprises regarding your opportunities as a VICSES Volunteer?I have been with VICSES for 12 years now, but at the start I never expected to get involved in our boat crew, known as the ‘Land Based Swift Water Rescue and Air Observer’. You never know when the pager rings, calling on me to utilize those skills. Back in 2010, I also go to participate in a Road Rescue skills competition. While Chelsea is not a road rescue unit, I was involved as a timekeeper and a ‘live patient’ complete with special effects make up!
How do you think the general public view women’s roles as a VICSES Volunteer?
That is one thing that does still surprise me at times. There is still the occasional stunned look when I get out of the truck, say at a tree down. I get chapped up and grab the chainsaw and sometimes you do see a look of shock, or at least surprise, on some faces, quite often ladies, who are watching, and I must admit, I enjoy the opportunity to change people’s perceptions and opinions.
What would you say to any woman that was thinking of becoming a VICSES Volunteer?
Well, that’s a no brainer, come on down! If you are prepared to commit to the time required for training and then call outs, you will find very quickly, the friendships and camaraderie that come with volunteering with VICSES and a feeling of confidence and empowerment in knowing that if you find yourself in an emergency situation, you will know what to do, and that’s pretty special.
Tonina Ciarrocchi - VICSES Nillumbik Unit Deputy Controller
What made you decide to work for an emergency services organisation?
I wanted to assist the community and upskill myself in an area I had no idea about. My personal growth from being part of VICSES has been enormous!
How important is it to have women in leadership roles at VICSES, and other emergency services?
The most important point here is we need to be able to relate to the community. Women bring cultural differences that drive effective solutions.
What is the biggest contribution or achievement you’ve made in your role?
Encouraging other women to join VICSES and being present at every recruitment night for the last 11 years.
Why should we celebrate International Women’s Day?
Because we are worth it, and for recognition of how far we have come and the work involved in getting to this point.
Lisa Wise ESM - VICSES Wodonga Unit Deputy Controller
“Physical strength is not the only kind of strength that is important.”
You are a real VICSES veteran! What are some of the key lessons you have learned?
This has rung so true in my volunteering with VICSES over the last 30+ years. Most members sign up to be involved in VICSES with the intension to do something for their community, but what most people do not know is you are doing something for yourself. Some key things I learned are:
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No matter how much you know or how long you have been in VICSES you can always learn something new.
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Physical strength is not the only kind of strength that is important when attending RFA's.
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Diversity in team composition improves the success of the operation.
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Asking “are you okay?” should not be asked on just day of the year.
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Sandbagging operations are not my favourite.
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Opportunities for personal growth come from the most unlikely situations - like laying 2,000 sandbags.
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When I am in orange PPE a friend always has my back.
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Coxswains should never get their feet wet
VICSES provides a huge range of opportunities and training, what are some of these that people – especially women – might not know about?
All VICSES members are offered lots of opportunities to train for a diverse range of operational response and support roles. While it has become more the norm in 2021 for the public to see women as truck drivers, chainsaw operators and members of a RCR crew there are still roles that surprise the public that women are electing to take on.
These are not limited to: High Angle Rescue, Air Observer, Crew Leader, Incident Commander, Alpine Search and Rescue, Division Commander, 4WD Operator, Coxswain, Land Based Swift Water Rescue, and more. We also have more female Unit Controllers that ever before managing our Units. There are many career opportunities for women in VICSES beyond Administration.
What has been your biggest achievement so far?
There have been so many highlights in my time at VICSES and sometimes it can be the small things that bring me the most satisfaction. I am proud of the work I have put into making Mental Health part of an everyday conversation in our organisation and the work of Peer Support being recognised by the Executive as an essential service to our members.
Having my 30+ years of volunteering and my passion for mental health recognised by being presented with the Emergency Service Medal (ESM) on Australia Day this year was my biggest achievements so far.
Kate White, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Victorian Head Office
“It’s important how we promote our brand and stand by our values as an organisation. VICSES has a brand and that’s committed to having no barriers around gender and the strong leaders to stand by that.”
What attracted you to VICSES?
It’s such a strong volunteer based organisation. Lots of passionate volunteers across the state serving their community across multiple specialist service delivery functions. I like the fact it’s a grass roots community based organisation.
Have you seen the opportunities for women grow?
I have. There is a really strong commitment from the Board and the Executive at VICSES to grow and mentor women across the workforce. There is great diversity on the Board, we have 3 females out of 6 on the executive, we have really strong female representation at the senior management group level and some great female leaders at unit level as well. They all bring great skills and expertise to the organisation.
What’s important in terms of continuing to build momentum around diversity and inclusion?
It comes down to how we promote our brand and values as an organisation. We have a brand committed to having no gender barriers. We have strong leaders at both staff and volunteer level and we’re committed to removing any barriers or perceived barriers around gender.
VICSES is shifting from traditional response focussed agency to one that not only responds well but builds community resilience and really supports communities before, during and after emergencies occur. Diversity of views and reflecting the communities we serve is really important in achieving that.
What advice do you have for young women?
The sky is the limit! You can achieve what you want to achieve in whatever industry you choose so stay the course.
The emergency service sector is still a growing industry following the 2009 fires and the 2010 – 11 floods. There is great opportunity across the sector and we need to continue to break down those gender barriers or perceived gender barriers. It’s a great sector for a young women to get involved in.