From Yarram Gap to Stawell: a busy festive season for firefighters

For many of us the festive season is a time for family, rest and celebration. But for many firefighters, like Courtney Newton – a Field Operations Supervisor at Rainbow in the Mallee – it's a time of heightened vigilance. The unpredictable nature of the bushfire season resulted in a very different Christmas for FFMVic firefighters across Victoria.

Courtney’s first deployment was to the Yarrum Gap fire in the Grampians, where she and 19 other Mallee firefighters spent four night shifts

‘Our crew did a couple of nights of backburning and patrolling on the western sectors, near Mirranatwa. A dozer was working not far from us to strengthen the control line and we were burning off so the fire had less chance of jumping over that control line,’ Ms Newton said.

The team returned home on Christmas Eve, weary but grateful for a brief respite. Christmas Day was dedicated to rest and family, a precious moment of normalcy amidst the chaos.

Boxing Day found her on standby at the Linga airbase in the Mallee District. That afternoon, an unexpected twist: a team of four, including Courtney, were tasked with driving to Stawell to assist with aerial firefighting efforts. For the next 5 shifts, Courtney and her team became integral to the operation, loading SEAT bombers with retardant and mixing crucial fire-suppressing compounds.

‘Working alongside experienced locals, we quickly adapted to the rhythm of the airbase. Despite the immense pressure and the ever-present threat to homes, the camaraderie was inspiring. We shared stories, knowledge, and a common goal – to protect communities and the environment.

‘It was a challenging time, in particular trying to fall asleep in basecamp during the day with hot and windy days, but the amazing support of our basecamp crew, who tirelessly worked to ensure our wellbeing, provided invaluable encouragement.’

Courtney’s journey with firefighting began in 2021 as a Parks Victoria firefighter in Underbool. Since then, she’s transitioned to DEECA and currently serves as a Field Operations Supervisor at Rainbow WorkCentre.

‘My skillset has expanded significantly, and now includes chainsaw operation, retardant mixing, and airbase management. The crew leader course I completed in August 2024 proved invaluable, equipping me with the knowledge and confidence to effectively lead and look after my team’s safety.

‘Reflecting on these experiences, I am filled with a profound sense of pride. Witnessing the remarkable resilience of our team, the selfless dedication of our colleagues, and the support of the communities we serve is truly humbling. The challenges we face are immense, but they are also deeply rewarding,’ Courtney said.

Last Christmas, Courtney and hundreds of firefighters from across Victoria exemplified the true spirit of service, working tirelessly to protect the community and environment.