Dedication of women first responders celebrated

Police officers, paramedics, firefighters, SES personnel, emergency service workers and rescue teams were congratulated for their dedication and sacrifice in keeping Victorian communities safe.

Speaker Maree Edwards said women first responders made an invaluable and selfless contribution to local communities.

‘Women in first responder roles have faced historic challenges and yet they have persevered, blazing the trail for those that follow,’ she said.

‘I must especially note the crucial role that many women volunteers play as first responders. They bring a unique dedication and skillset to their roles and do so without remuneration for the benefit of our communities across the state.’

Victoria Police Detective Senior Sergeant Tracy Meyer APM said women in emergency service agencies had been historically underrepresented.

‘Throughout history women have played pivotal roles in emergency services, often overcoming substantial barriers and gender stereotyping to follow their chosen career path,’ she said.

‘International Women’s Day provides us with an opportunity to celebrate all women for the significant contributions that they have made breaking down barriers and inspiring future generations to pursue careers in the emergency services.’

Meyer reminisced on her nearly 40-year career at Victoria Police.

‘As the sun begins to set on my own rewarding career I look back and thank those brave women who paved the way, who guided me and brought me along for the ride,’ she said.

‘I look forward to the younger generation of exceptional young women starting out, who’ve just bought front row seats to the greatest show on earth.’

Ambulance Victoria Director of Regional and Clinical Operations (Hume) Narelle Capp ASM spoke about one of the challenges she faced early in her career.

‘I do remember years ago thinking I’ll just have to fake this until I actually make it, and we all know what that is, it’s called the imposter syndrome.’

Capp manages Ambulance Victoria units from Wallen all the way to the New South Wales border.

'What I see in my travels and why I choose to work there is because of the dedication and the commitment to their local communities and what we do for health in communities, but in particular in rural communities,' she said.

'I am really proud and honoured to be here amongst the emerging women from all emergency services representing our first responder cohort.'

Ambulance Victoria Paramedic Jo O’Doherty ASM shared her experience working as a wilderness response paramedic.

O’Doherty is one of only 80 wilderness response paramedics in Victoria.

She spoke about the physical challenges of carrying packs that can weigh up to 20kg through difficult alpine conditions and in some cases having to stay overnight in these remote locations.

Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins thanked the first responders for their tireless contributions.

'Our state would not run without the efforts of all women who are first responders,' she said.

Hutchins noted that there was still much work to do to ensure equality for women in all walks of life.

'Women are missing out on leadership roles, women are being paid less across so many different categories of employment, and quite frankly women are taking a backseat to being able to be promoted when they take time out to have kids and that’s not good enough,' she said.

Shadow Minister for Women Cindy McLeish acknowledged the 50th anniversary of the SES and the growing representation of women in first responder roles.

'As I travel around now, I see women more and more taking on those roles as unit controllers,' she said.

'In the CFA I see women as lieutenants and captains and some of you are here today.'