Trailblazers answer the call

By Paul Dunlop
A WOMAN’S place may still be in the kitchen, but only if it’s up in flames and she’s carrying a fire hose.
Once a maledominated world, local Country Fire Authority units are reporting a steady increase in female members.
Housewives, mums and career professionals are all answering the call. CFA units in the local district are enthusiastic about the trend and have encouraged more women to consider joining up.
“The more the merrier,” said CFA brigade administration officer Ellisa Bourne.
Marlene Jones is one of almost 20 female members of Pakenham CFA.
She said women fire fighters were something of a novelty when she joined 16 years ago, but believed that was no longer the case.
“Nobody bats an eyelid these days,” Marlene said.
“If you are in a burning building with your helmet and jacket on and breathing apparatus you can’t tell if somebody’s male or female anyway, you just get in and do the work.”
Lois Middleton has been a CFA member for more than 20 years and is one of the true trailblazers.
The Pakenham woman said she loved the idea that she was helping people.
“I love firefighting, it’s just something in me,” she said.
“You meet a lot of people, you’re doing something of value in the community and it can be quite exciting.”
Lois drove a truck and has also worked on the CFA auxiliary. She was a member at Warneet before moving to Pakenham and has always loved being part of the team.
“A few of the men didn’t like it at first, but gradually we were accepted,” she said.
Marlene agreed that the women were now treated as equals.
“We’re waiting for the day we get an allfemale crew to a callout,” she said.