Rebecca always knew she was destined to be a firefighter. Growing up in a fire station, she watched her father, who served as station captain until his passing, jump on the truck or instruct his team between calls.

Inspired by his work ethic and dedication, Rebecca joined the Rural Fire Service (RFS) at just seventeen, and by nineteen, she was fighting fires under a Defence contract at HMAS Albatross.

Driven by passion and a deep sense of purpose, Rebecca seized every opportunity to grow, gaining skills with each new experience. She was flown out in a Cessna to assist with fires in Orange, where she learned how to operate under pressure at a multi-disciplinary event. She was in the air again during the devastating 2009 Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria, gaining firsthand experience with bushfires of an entirely different scale.

One of the most important skills Rebecca has learned is trusting her coworkers. At Wagga, where she is now permanently stationed, she was first on the scene of a helicopter crash that developed into a significant runway fire. Rebecca says,

Sixteen years since she first started, the rhythm of Rebecca’s career is stronger than ever. Her schedule follows a 10-14 rotation: two ten-hour day shifts, two 14-hour night shifts, followed by four days off. Day to day, she ensures the operational readiness of station equipment and vehicles, participates in group training and fitness, and responds to a wide range of incidents, from fires caused by unattended heaters and lit cigarettes to bird strikes and wildlife rescues. Medical callouts involving basic first aid remain her personal favourite.

But the path hasn’t always been smooth. Being a woman in a male-dominated industry brought distinct challenges. Early in her career, there was little consideration for women, uniforms were designed for men, and the impact of women’s health on the job was largely overlooked. When Rebecca became pregnant with her son, she made the difficult decision to step away, taking on a quieter role in medical reception.

Yet the fire for her career was one she couldn’t ignore. After her son turned four, Rebecca returned to firefighting, this time with Ventia, who had been awarded the Defence Base Services contract.

Ventia stands out for two key reasons for Rebecca.

Second, Rebecca shares, “Working in private industry offers access to advanced technology not available in state organisations”. Some of the “cool toys” that make the job safer and more efficient include fire trucks pre-fitted with every necessary appliance and tool, and lightweight nano-tech cylinders, half the weight of standard issue, that help prevent exhaustion.

Whether it’s keeping a kangaroo off the roads or controlling a wild bushfire, Rebecca’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and going further to follow her passion.