Youth from Deniliquin joined others from around the region at the Girls on Fire Program in Echuca-Moama earlier this week.
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.
The local program was held at the Moama Rural Fire Service and Echuca Country Fire Authority stations over Monday and Tuesday.
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.
Deni High teacher Pam Sinha said the students learned a lot, and it was pleasing to note that a few of the supporting presenters and instructors were former Deni High students.
This included Shannen Varty with the Mid Murray RFS and Ellie Brain from Murray River Council.
“A couple of our students enjoyed the experience so much that they are considering volunteering for the RFS,” Ms Sinha said.
“It was fantastic to see the growth from the morning icebreaker through to the presentation of the awards.
“Eden Lilford was named as one of the two stand out leaders for the day, and off her own steam she stood up to thank all of the organisers for making it such a great learning experience.
“They got to explore lots of employment opportunities through the presenters on the day.
Girls On Fire founder Bronnie Mackintosh 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 for regional towns.
While open to all youths, it is primarily targeted at engaging 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.”