WOMEN & FIREFIGHTING AUSTRALASIA
WOMEN & FIREFIGHTING AUSTRALASIA (WAFA) is THE PEAK BODY FOR WOMEN IN FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES ACROSS AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND AND THE PACIFIC.We represent women and diverse people across career and volunteer firefighting, forest fire management, emergency and disaster management, and all-hazards services.
We work to advance gender equity, strengthen sector representation, influence policy, and ensure women’s knowledge, experience and leadership help shape the decisions that affect our workplaces and communities.
VOLUNTEER-LED AND NOT FOR PROFIT
WAFA WAS FOUNDED BY WOMEN FIREFIGHTERS DEDICATED TO A FUTURE WHERE GENDER EQUITY IS THE STANDARD, WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP IS RECOGNISED, AND DIVERSE VOICES HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF OUR SERVICES.We work closely with the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) – the peak body for fire and emergency services across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
Established in 2007, WAFA contributes to national and sector committees, provides representation on issues including recruitment, PPE, workplace culture, and career progression, and works to strengthen gender equity, leadership, and inclusion – so every woman and diverse person in fire and emergency services feels supported, valued, and empowered to succeed.
10%
Women in full time operational firefighting roles across Australasia A gap WAFA has been working to close since 2007.
$30,000+
Invested by wafa in leadership development, seminars, and webinars for our members in the past 12 months alone.
over 18
member organisations Backed by the leading fire and emergency services agencies across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
Become a WAFA MEMBER
Join the peak body advancing women's leadership, connection, and representation across fire and emergency services in Australasia.
When you become a member of WAFA, you help fund scholarships, professional development and programs that benefit every woman and diverse person in our sector. You also join an international community committed to ensuring the next generation of women enters a fairer, safer and stronger sector than the one before them. Individual membership is just $25 a year.
FOR INDIVIDUALS
For every woman and ally in fire and emergency services.
FOR ORGANISATIONS
Back the organisation changing fire and emergency services for women.
REPRESENTATION. LEADERSHIP. CONNECTION.
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We work with AFAC, Gender and Disaster Australia, the Fire Protection Association Australia, and the Institution of Fire Engineers.
We work side-by-side with agencies on the issues shaping women's participation and progression, including culture, recruitment, gender-inclusive PPE, parental leave, workplace flexibility, and safety. We ensure women's voices are heard in the conversation that shapes our sector.
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We create opportunities for women to connect, learn, and lead – through leadership scholarships, our annual conference, professional development, and networks that support women to advance in their careers across fire and emergency services.
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Women across our sector can often be isolated by geography, role or workplace. We create a point of connection across agencies, states, international borders, and every corner of fire, emergency and disaster response.
WAFA26 Conference
18-21 Aug 2026 - Leading for the Future: From Intent to ImpactIs there a seat at the table, or is it standing room only?
Co-located with AFAC26 in Melbourne, WAFA26 brings together women, diverse staff, and allies to examine where progress is genuine, where it has stalled, and what it will take to turn commitments into meaningful change.
This year, we're tackling the issues that matter most:
Outdated systems and processes that disadvantage women and diverse people, or produce tokenistic outcomes.
Whether positive duty obligations are translating into real cultural and structural change. Not just compliance on paper.
PPE and equipment designed to fit and protect every body
Women's health across the full career – from recruitment to menopause.
Recruitment, retention, and what the data actually shows.
Leadership pathways and how to build them.
First Nations women and the future of fire and land management.
Proudly supported by major agencies across Australasia.
WAFA's member organisations represent fire and emergency services agencies across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
Merchandise
Show your support for women in fire and emergency servicesEvery purchase directly supports WAFA's work, funding the scholarships and programs that drive gender equity and empower women, trans and diverse people across the industry.
Working with organisations that share our commitment.
WAFA works closely with AFAC, along with Gender and Disaster Australia, the Fire Protection Association of Australia, and the Institution of Fire Engineers, to drive change across every corner of fire and emergency services.
Join WAFA Now
Your membership directly funds leadership scholarships, sector representation, professional development, and programs that change conditions across fire and emergency services.