Growing up in Tasmania aspiring to be like Ranger Stacey, Brooke Bailey is now a key part of our land and fire team in Anglesea.
Brooke has been in emergency management for almost 18 years. She plays a critical role planning and delivering the Joint Fuel Management Program for the region and has a passion for supporting young women join the Land and Fire Management space.
Brooke’s emergency roles include General Fire Fighter, Finance Officer, Operations Officer Level 2, Sector Commander, Taskforce Leader and Planned Burn Operations Officer.
Brooke said the role is very rewarding and would encourage other women to get involved.
“Do it. Have a crack. Back yourself. Take responsibility for your own personal and professional development.”
“Don’t wait to be asked, make and take the opportunities for yourself. Land and Fire Management is a space for people of all genders, sexuality, cultural backgrounds, personal identifiers, abilities, neurodiversity. There is a role for everyone, carve out yours!”
While there’s still plenty of work to do, Brooke says there has been some real changes and great opportunities for women in the land and fire space.
“When I started, I was the only female PFF at Gellibrand and there were no female leaders in the Crew Leading or Work Centre supervisor roles. Now in the Otways we have close to 50/50 representation in the PFF space and 4 female crew leaders/Field Supervisors.”
In 2023, Brooke was also deployed to Alberta Canada where she was helicoptered into remote areas to help fight fires. Brooke said deployments are a great way to meet new people.
“Deployments and taskforces are one of the best parts of the job. I have been fortunate to go across the country and internationally.
