Planned Burn Taskforce women’s workshop
Over two days, 16 women from CFA’s Planned Burn Taskforce (PBTF) came together to identify options to increase participation and ensure CFA’s planned burning deployments continue to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for all.
The workshop brought together a diverse mix of PBTF members, supported by mentors, presenters and CFA leaders, who all shared their knowledge, lived experience and encouragement.
From the outset, the room was filled with connection, trust, and compassion, with participants sharing stories, challenges, and lessons learned. Honest conversations sparked new ideas, laughter, and fresh perspectives to help shape the future of women’s involvement in planned burning.
Guest presenters brought enormous value to the workshop. Naomi Engelke, Nicole Crow, Tanya Nagorcka, Emma Goetz, Alen Slijepcevic and Tim McKern provided expertise and balance in a room full of enthusiastic women. Diana Batley shared an honest and powerful discussion, offering thought-provoking and relatable insights that resonated strongly with participants.
The impact was best captured by Sherri McKerley who reflected: “This is why I still work at CFA 25 years later. Great initiative surrounded by amazing women in both staff and volunteer roles. Reinvigorated my drive to do better.”
The workshop was about more than sharing stories, it created a safe, inclusive and empowering space where women’s voices could be heard, valued and championed. Participants walked away with more than just insights, they left with new friendships, strengthened confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Karen Stanley from Boronia Brigade shared: “I attended feeling anxious and nervous but left with wonderful connections to these women who are resilient, strong, and do not let misguided social attitudes stop them from achieving.”
As the PBTF continues to grow from strength to strength under the leadership of Commander of Planned Burning Tim McKern, this milestone reminds us that change happens when we bring people together with honesty, courage and compassion.
“What a milestone. What a moment. What a group. This is just the beginning.”