Book launch celebrates 40 years of women in firefighting in NSW
Published: 30 Oct 2025
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has recognised 40 years of women in firefighting at a book launch at the Museum of Fire at Penrith, in Sydney’s west.
‘Trailblazing: The History and Stories of Female Firefighters in Fire and Rescue NSW’, documents the lived experiences of women who couldn’t become firefighters until 1985.
Today, a panel of contributors to the book shared their reflections with an audience that included the Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Services and Member for Liverpool, Charishma Kaliyanda; FRNSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell; and other senior emergency services representatives.
FRNSW’s highest-ranking female officer, Assistant Commissioner Cheryl Steer, suggested documenting the experiences of women in ‘the Brigade’ almost five years ago. The book, written by principal author, Chrissy Strickland and a small team of co-authors from FRNSW and Museum of Fire, captures their history, challenges, and achievements.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Commissioner, Cheryl Steer AFSM:
“This book celebrates the trailblazing women in our organisation and their contribution to Fire and Rescue NSW’s current capabilities.
“I’m proud to be part of our history and to share this moment with many extraordinary women.”
Quotes attributable to FRNSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM:
“It is moving to read firsthand accounts of the challenges these women faced, the changes they’ve witnessed, and their hopes for the future.
“Today, Fire and Rescue NSW is a diverse workforce guided by respect, professionalism and shared purpose.
“These women have helped shape our profession. We are stronger because of their courage, commitment and service.”
Quotes attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Services and Member for Liverpool, Charishma Kaliyanda:
“I applaud the pioneering women and contributors of this book for sharing their stories.
“We’ve come a long way in the last 40 years, and I'm inspired to hear about the female firefighters who have made and continue to make a difference in the communities they serve.”
Media notes:
- Trailblazing: The History and Stories of Female Firefighters in Fire and Rescue NSW is available from the Museum of Fire https://www.museumoffire.net [external link]
- All proceeds from book sales will go to the Museum of Fire, FRNSW’s official heritage partner.
- Applications for FRNSW’s Permanent Firefighter program are set to open in early 2026. Aspiring female firefighters are encouraged to learn more and apply at www.careers.fire.nsw.gov.au/permanent-firefighter
- Footage of the book launch is available here: https://vimeo.com/1131946797/aff4602cb1?share=copy& [external link];fl=sv&fe=ci
(ends)
Updated: 02 Feb 2026 8:04am