General News
27 December, 2024
The sky's the limit for Horsham CFA Air Observer volunteer, Kate Wills
Kate Wills received her wings as a CFA Air Observer in September.
In September, Horsham woman Kate Wills received her wings as a Country Fire Authority Air Observer.
She regularly goes to the skies to conduct reconnaissance, map, assess fire behaviour, and check containment lines.
"I love the CFA, the camaraderie, the opportunity to learn new skills and help the community," she said.
After three decades as a volunteer firefighter, the opportunity to have a place in this niche market was too good to miss, so she applied to become an Air Observer.
"There were 62 applicants statewide, and I was shortlisted to 25," she said.
"After the interview process, I was fortunate to be among the remaining 16.
"We then went through a practical assessment, and I was in the final eight and the only female.
"It was hard work, but after I completed the theory and practical assessments, I received my wings and took to the skies in September."
She sits with the pilot, mapping, observing, and reporting to the Control Centre.
She finds the work both exciting and rewarding.
Her husband and son are members, and her 10-year-old daughter plans to join when she is 11.
"There is a job for everyone in the CFA," she said.
"The fire brigade is my family. I had some time off when I had my children, and I missed it.
"I felt like something was missing, and I just had to get back there and be a part of the team and the work."
Referring to the fire that began with a lightning strike on December 20 in the Grampians National Park, she said that her mother took toilets to the CFA staging areas for the firefighters as an example of some of the behind-the-scenes work valuable to the service the CFA provides.
"There are so many jobs behind the scenes that firefighters depend on, so I would encourage anyone with the time and the interest to consider volunteering," she said.
"The CFA is a great organisation. It is inclusive now and has come a long way in making changes to 'things ' that would have been accepted 30 years ago but are taboo now.
"Women can do anything and are welcome. The new leadership course already has 25 women aspiring to become leaders in the CFA, and that's fantastic."
Some of the changes include separating female uniforms instead of one-piece overalls for 'comfort measures'; until now, men's boots were only available for personnel. Still, the organisation will soon introduce women's boots.
"The introduction of women's boots will make a big difference," she said.
"Men's and women's feet are different, and we need different boots. The new ones will be lighter, too."
However, 30 years ago, in the late 90s, it was predominantly male-dominated, so she decided on nursing as a career and is employed at the Stawell Hospital.
"My nursing experience will complement a role in the Medical Response program if that's where I am in the future, I'll be able to utilise those skills," she said.
"Life skills are always valuable and transferable."
The new Fire Medical response program will see CFA brigades dispatched alongside ambulances to provide life-saving care in some instances.
Ms Wills's work with the CFA is 100 per cent volunteer-based. She uses long service and emergency leave from the hospital for her CFA duties.
"I am very grateful to my amazing employers. I couldn't have done this without their support, so I am very grateful," she said.
Her advice to anyone considering joining the CFA is to join up.
"It is a wonderful way to give back to the community and learn life and vocational skills," she said.