Setting Northern Beaches Pride aflame with Girls On Fire

What if we told you the future of fire and emergency management in Australia could be in the hands of Northern Beaches’ young people? And that in addition to kids 14 to 25 leading the charge, these young people were doing so with pride for the LGBTQIA+ community? All this and more will be happening on the Northern Beaches this February, with not-for-profit organisation, Girls on Fire, bringing the Rainbow Community Fire and Resilience Program to Dee Why.

An Australian first, the program invites LGBTQIA+ youth from the Northern Beaches and beyond to attend an immersive program where participants learn how to prepare, prevent, manage and recover from a variety of emergency situations. Built with vocational training and volunteering pathways in mind, Girls on Fire programs enable young people to face challenges in a positive and proactive way and have helped hundreds of girls throughout New South Wales connect to their local community.

The two-day Rainbow Program aims to bridge the gap between young LGBTQIA+ people and emergency service personnel, operating on a “what you see, you can be” style-ethos.
Participants are mentored by LGBTQIA+ volunteers and staff from the participating fire and emergency service agencies as they tackle all kinds of team-based problem-solving activities, fostering a learning environment that celebrates difference, cultural competence and working together for everyone’s safety and wellbeing.

“Representation matters. It’s how we connect. If I had seen LGBTQIA+ people in emergency services when I was young, I doubt it would have taken me so long to find firefighting. Young people need a place to belong – and have hope for their future and know their community supports them. I am so proud to bring the Rainbow Community Fire and Resilience Program to the Northern Beaches as part of World Pride,” explained Girls on Fire Founder, Bronnie Mackintosh.

Community and inclusion are foundations for Girls on Fire programs, and they are already working closely with Principal Partner, National Australia Bank, who are connecting their Pride employee network to the inaugural program. The Rainbow Community Fire and Resilience Program was made possible by Northern Beaches Council. In-kind support and community connection comes from local social support group for LGBTQIA+ youth, GLAM+, who are eager to spread the message of inclusion for young people with diverse genders and sexualities.

“We want to showcase local young people giving their all, connecting over shared tasks and personal goals, and really show the wonderful, vital contribution LGBTQIA+ youth can make to their community,” shared Melissa Spencer, Glam+ facilitator and Program Manager for the Rainbow Program. 

The Rainbow Community Fire and Resilience Program takes place at James Meehan Reserve, Dee Why, February 21/22. On day two, families and community members can attend from 3pm to watch the final activities and participant graduation. There will be live entertainment, LGBTQIA+ stalls, sausage sizzle, and opportunities to meet our local emergency services.