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 2024 campaign theme is #InspireInclusion.
Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #InspireInclusion.
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Raelene Billingsley ESM -VICSES Morwell Unit Controller NewChange
"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.
Katelynne Soro – VICSES Southern Metro Support Unit Deputy Controller
“As a mum of two, eight and ten years old, time constraints are a big issue for me. The online training meant I could do it in my own time.”
What made you want to join VICSES?
I decided to join VICSES while I was on a trip to Queensland during their severe flooding event in 2022 and now I volunteer with the Southern Metro Support Unit. I’ve trained in incident management and situational analysis reporting, which includes in-office operational roles such as calling third parties to organise what’s needed and being deployed to Incident Control Centres across the state.
How important is it to have other women to look up to in VICSES?
Having role models and representation of women doing those more difficult jobs is really important. I think there’s a preconceived notion of VICSES as a bunch of males with chainsaws outside in the rain!
Our Southern Metro Support Unit Controller, Roisin Lamprell has been a wonderful role model, she sets an impressive level and standard of commitment, always putting her hand up if no one else can. Roisin is definitely the ‘go-to lady’, a walking encyclopedia who really gets the team going.
How accessible was it for you to become a VICSES volunteer?
As a mum of two, eight and ten years old, time constraints are a big issue for me. The online training meant I could do it in my own time, for example when the kids had gone to bed. I could pause and go back, it was great.
What would you say to any woman that was thinking of becoming a VICSES volunteer?
It doesn’t matter if you don’t know how to fill a sandbag, everybody’s there to help each other.
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.
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.
Nicole Peters - VICSES Tallangatta Unit Volunteer
“I feel very supported. We have a few younger members, and everyone is always there to help you and teach you and supportive of doing extra courses – our unit is like a little family”
What opportunities are there for women at VICSES?I feel very supported our unit is fantastic, we have a few younger members and always there to help you and teach you and supportive of extra courses – our until is like a little family, everyone helps each other out.
There’s a lot of women in leading roles, which is great. Females are becoming more prominent, young women coming through school can work in the bush or become a tradie. There are always people that get behind you, that believe in your capabilities. We’re very lucky in this day and age.
Your advice to women wanting to join VICSES or the emergency services sector?
Get in and give it a go, you learn heaps and make fantastic friends; it’s something different to do. Don’t be afraid to stick your hand up, you can achieve those goals.
What motivates you?
Helping people. It’s hard to explain I don’t feel like I’m that special.
Rebecca Do – VICSES Greater Dandenong Volunteer
When I was 10 years old, I saw VICSES at a community event and went up to them asking when I could start. They said to come back when I was a bit older, so here I am now!
How do you balance volunteering with VICSES and being a mum?
Volunteering is my way of giving back and doing something rewarding for myself. As a mum of three and working full-time, our Monday night trainings are my ‘me-time.’
It’s something I want to do to upskill for myself and I want to be able to teach my kids also. I have one daughter and if I can teach her to cut a branch properly or other skills, I want to be able to do that, so I find the time.
What was one of your most memorable jobs?
One of my most memorable jobs was attending a leaky roof incident at an aged care facility. Despite not being able to do much, the residents were so happy to see us. It’s experiences like these and support from unit members that makes it all the more worthwhile. I feel really comfortable at this unit and supported. Someone’s always asking if you’re ok and if you need help with anything.
What do you enjoy the most about volunteering with VICSES?
I know this is cliché, but I enjoy our training nights. We’re all together, having a good time, we’re learning and those are the best days. We put our skillsets together and get the job done.
Ashika Menezes – VICSES Greater Dandenong Volunteer
“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!
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.
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.
Kate White, Director - Community Resilience, Communications & Corporate Services, 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.