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About WAFA
OUR VISION
To amplify the voices and lived experiences of women in the fire management sector, advocating for gender equity through collaboration with agencies, by operating as the peak body that empowers and supports women to reach their full potential.
OUR MISSION
As the peak body and leading voice for women in the fire management sector, WAFA advocates for gender equity, fosters professional growth, and creates a supportive environment for women in the industry.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of WAFA are to:
- Foster awareness of the contribution and capabilities of women in the sector;
- Celebrate achievements and facilitate discussion of the challenges and opportunities;
- Facilitate change through strong partnerships across the sector; and
- Generate opportunities for personal and professional development.
HISTORY
In 2005, the inaugural Australasian Women in Firefighting Forum (WIFF 2005) was held at the Holiday Inn, Sydney Airport.
Three resolutions were made at this Forum:
- A report on the Forum was to be presented to the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council (AFAC) — completed in 2006;
- Another Conference was to be held — Women in Firefighting 2006 was held at Darling Harbour in Sydney in June 2006; and
- A professional association was to be established for women in the Australasian firefighting industry.
Consequently, Women and Firefighting Australasia (WAFA) was incorporated in November 2007. Since that time WAFA has been steadily working to promote women in firefighting by working with organisations, fire services and individual members.
WAFA has experience running several highly successful conferences since the inaugural Women in Firefighting forum in Sydney in 2005. Since then conferences have been held in Darling Harbour, the Yarra Valley, Adelaide, Canberra, Brisbane, Wellington NZ and most recently in Brisbane again in conjunction with AFAC23. For more information see our conference page.
WAFA acknowledges and recognises the indigenous peoples and cultures of Australasia and the sacred connection that they have as guardians of the land and environment. We are also dedicated to supporting our members in upholding any specific commitment to indigenous people that each of our member parties may have.