Victoria’s emergency management organisations will come together today to celebrate the vital role of women across the state.
Women and men from 19 Victorian emergency management organisations will converge at the heart of Melbourne to mark International Women’s Day.
From 9am-3pm Federation Square will come alive with a wide range of emergency service vehicles on display and demonstrations from first responders and others who work together to keep Victorians safe, before, during and after emergencies.
Throughout the day, the community will have the opportunity to meet the women and men who help protect the state and learn more about the diverse roles and skills required to work with communities before, during and after emergencies. There will also be a series of live demonstrations from the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria and the Victoria State Emergency Service.
Victorian Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said he was proud of the way our people work together across the emergency management sector.
“International Women’s Day is an opportunity for people across the world to come together to recognise the contributions and achievements of women in all of our lives.
“This year’s theme is #MorePowerfulTogether and is extremely relevant when it comes to the emergency management sector.
“Earlier this week, more than 2000 firefighters and other emergency management personnel worked seamlessly together to battle a number of bushfires that burned across the state to protect the community in challenging circumstances.
“We acknowledge their significant role with many female emergency services personnel working around the clock to help keep communities safe. There is no doubt our sector is richer thanks to the contribution of women who work tirelessly to keep Victoria safe.
“Today we celebrate their achievements, reflect on progress made and consider the work still to be done in order to make our world more inclusive and equal.”
The department acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present.