LEAH Chalwell has a passion for inspiring the next generation of women firefighters and is encouraging other mums to join CFA. The Bright mother's decision to join CFA in 2018 came as a result of waiting at Bright Fire Station for her husband Rhett to come back from call outs. Both of Leah’s children are now volunteers, including her 19-year-old daughter Grace and 17-year-old son Riley, who she wants to set a strong example for. “I want to show my kids that mum is just as capable as anyone to be a firefighter and if I can do it, they can too,” Leah said. “I know my limits as a woman, but I am always looking to push myself and that is the example I want to set for my daughter. “Having a woman who can stand alongside her male counterparts sends a really strong message, especially in firefighting where it has traditionally been a man’s world.” Leah said her experience as a volunteer has been a growth opportunity for her own skills. “I have obtained my Medium Rigid Truck Licence and completed Respond to Urban qualifications so I can be a more versatile member of our brigade,” she said. “It can be challenging at times having both the kids as volunteers too. “I have had to learn that when the pager goes off, I am not their mum, instead we are fellow firefighters.” Grace said she is proudly following in her mother’s footsteps. “I have taken a gap year and throughout this time mum and dad have pushed me to continue to upskill, so I have taken CFA courses while having the year off,” she said. “It is so cool that mum is a firefighter. "She is such an inspiration to me.” Leah said CFA can move with the seasons of life for those who are eager to join. “I was lucky for a period of time to have my mother in-law live with us, so to have her alongside our neighbours really helped with the kids so my husband and I could respond to calls,” she said. “No matter where you are at, you can jump in and join and do the training. "You may not be able to respond now but perhaps as time goes on you will. “There are so many other roles you can do in CFA too.” Captain keen to have more female members BRIGHT CFA captain Brad Drennan is keen to have more female members in the brigade. He said of the brigade's 26 operational volunteers, four are female - and they're making tremendous contributions. "Brigade members Leah and Grace Chalwell and Lily Grasser just recently attended an event and will be part of a North East women's reference group in the CFA," Brad said. "We are seeing more female members join across the group." Brigade members held their AGM last week, electing their executive team for the next two years, which takes effect from July 1. Brad was re-elected brigade captain, Brett Michie elected 1st Lieutenant, Jordan Grasser 2nd Lieutenant, Paul Mansfield 3rd Lieutenant, Jude Jessen 4th Lieutenant, Sherridan Gillham treasurer/secretary, and John Wymond as communications officer. Bright has had a fire brigade for 133 years, and there remain strong family connections within the membership. Anyone interested in joining the brigade is welcome to attend Monday evening training from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at the station in Churchill Avenue. You can also email bright.capt@members.cfa.vic.gov.au or go to the CFA website to register interest in joining.
