CFA’s District 7 proudly boosts four female captains after the recent election of Kaylene Stocks as the Captain of Winchelsea Fire Brigade.
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CFA’s District 7 proudly boosts four female captains; Helen Wood (Barwon Heads brigade), Ali Jordan (Highton brigade), Niki Habibis (St Leonards-Indented Head brigade) and Kaylene Stocks (Winchelsea brigade).
She joins fellow captains Niki Habibis of St Leonards-Indented Head brigade, Ali Jordan of Highton brigade and Helen Wood of Barwon Heads brigade.
CFA Chief Executive Officer Natalie MacDonald congratulated the captains in the district, which spans from Geelong to Lorne, saying their success was a testament to their strength as leaders.
“CFA is committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive and safe place to volunteer and work, and wants to continue to attract and retain members of diverse backgrounds and experiences that reflect our communities,” she said.
Captain Stocks joined the Winchelsea brigade with her daughter seven years ago, following in the footsteps of her dad, sister and brother-in-law.
“It’s great – sometimes we’re three generations on the same truck,” she said.
She said it was an honour to recently be elected captain.
“We all like to turn out but as a leader, we have to make sure we all have the skillset so we all come home safe.”
As captains Stocks, Habibis, Jordan and Wood shared their stories to mark International Women’s Day, celebrated across the world today, [read full story here] a common thread was the camaraderie and support of their brigades.
CFA Chief Executive Officer Natalie MacDonald thanked the four women for sharing their stories, which she said poignantly illustrated this year’s theme for International Women’s Day – ‘choose to challenge’.
“CFA’s women are great role models showcasing the strength, determination, diversity of skill and adaptability of women to the whole Victorian community and beyond,” she said.
“International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to recognise what women bring to our organisation and these women have all made extraordinary contributions as leaders of their brigades and in their communities.
“However, it’s not just up to women to challenge structures that can hold them back, it’s up to everyone. I know there are many great role models in CFA, both male and female, that have shaped our organisation.
“Whether at CFA as an organisation or the broader community, and I always encourage anyone to consider how they can contribute to a more inclusive future for all.”
