Challenge Camp inspires strength, confidence, and connection among CFA women

The camps are run over one weekend in each CFA region to provide the women in that area the opportunity to face physical and mental challenges together while delving into personal development, leadership, team building and networking sessions. 

The South East region are trail blazers of the Women's Challenge Camp, celebrating their seventh annual weekend this year from 2 to 4 May in Allambee.  

Participant and District 9 Headquarters brigade member Amy Dalrymple said that the camp was hugely beneficial to her.  

“I left challenge camp feeling reinvigorated, inspired and empowered to be a more confident and driven version of myself, and to trust in my values and keep them at the forefront of my thoughts and choices," Amy said. 

"The networking and relationships I was able to build were amazing, not only for CFA but for my professional development too."  

In the North East, women gathered at the Ovens Valley Homestead on the same weekend to enjoy their inaugural Women's Challenge Camp.  

Co-organiser and member of the Volunteer Sustainability Team in the region, Tanya Lumley, said it was important to create spaces like these for women within CFA so they can learn and feel supported.  

"The goal is to have more people learn about themselves in a space where there are no barriers, real or perceived, where they can speak up and really step into themselves," Tanya said.  

"The camp is a chance for women to be further supported and encouraged, where they can step into new spaces and new conversations with 50 other like-minded people around to catch them." 

Participants enjoyed a panel discussion from pioneering women within CFA who spoke about challenging stereotypes and building your own self-confidence and pushed their bodies to complete outdoor challenge activities. The women also had the opportunity to ask questions of the Deputy Chief Officer and Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer from the area.  

The west of the state kicked off the camps this year across the weekend of 25-27 April, and Halls Gap firefighter and participant Nicki Van Veen said the women particularly enjoyed listening to each other’s stories. 

“It was an extraordinary weekend with incredible women,” Nicki said.  

“I am blown away by how much fun I had, how much I learned, and how much I laughed.” 

The North West and the South West region will host their camps later this month.