Celebrating 30 years of service: Yvonne Helps' firefighting career with the CFS

As the world celebrates International Women's Day (IWD) in 2025 with the theme "March Forward: For ALL Women and Girls," we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the United Nations' Beijing Declaration. This year’s theme is a call to action for gender equality and empowerment. In honour of this milestone, we revisit the journey of Yvonne Helps, a dedicated volunteer firefighter whose 30 years of service have left a mark on her community.

As we sat down to talk, we were surrounded by the old and new symbols of Yvonne’s firefighting career. On the table in front of us were the original Volunteer magazine cover photo, her original helmet and her new one, and her Hard Yakka coverall - a reflection of how far she has come since joining the CFS. Looking at the photo of Yvonne at 31, it was striking to note the symmetry of the moment - 30 years on, Yvonne sat across the table, and the interviewer was the same age Yvonne had been when the photo was taken. Her original gear, worn over decades of service, was a reminder of her volunteer journey.

These worn and well-loved items are not just reminders of the past but also symbols of the legacy she has built through her decades of service. On the sleeve of her coveralls, Yvonne had sewn the training badges she earned over the years, each representing a milestone she reached—Breathing Apparatus, Road Crash Rescue (formerly Vehicle Accident Rescue), and First Aid. Each badge reflects her dedication to learning and personal growth within the CFS.

Yvonne’s story began in the late 1980s when she joined the Hahndorf Brigade. 'I started in the late '80s at Hahndorf Brigade and then moved to the Stirling Brigade when I moved house,' she recalls. After a break of over 25 years, Yvonne returned to volunteering with the Yorketown Brigade following the devastating 2019/20 bushfires. 'I had a big break of 25 years and then joined the Yorketown Brigade after the 2019 fires,' she says, highlighting how the crisis prompted her to re-engage with the CFS—just as many others returned or joined the service during that challenging time.

Reflecting on her early years, Yvonne recalls balancing her volunteer work with her personal life, particularly as a new mother. ‘I was alone during the day with a young baby and didn’t have anything to do. My husband joined the CFS, but it wasn’t really his thing. The captain at the time recognised I was feeling isolated and struggling with post-natal depression.’ The captain asked Yvonne to help distribute emergency stickers to local businesses, which brought her out of her shell.

She remembers when the siren would go off at the station, conveniently just behind her house. Without hesitation, she would rush to the station, knowing that the woman across the street would be there to look after her baby. This simple but meaningful act showed how community and women support one another - whether stepping in to care for a child or answering the call to serve when needed. These moments highlight the strength of shared responsibility and how women have always played a crucial role in keeping their communities safe.

Her involvement with the CFS grew over time. ‘I started answering calls, taking down details, and eventually, the captain said, “You’re going out more than the regular people; I think it’s time you do a course,”’ she recalls. This marked the beginning of her deeper involvement in firefighting.

Yvonne's dedication to the CFS extended beyond firefighting itself. Encouraged by her volunteer experiences, she pursued a degree in psychology. ‘I finished my undergraduate degree in psychology because of my experiences as a volunteer, which led me into peer support - a field that was new at the time,’ she explains. Yvonne was especially interested in trauma involving young children and how to support them. Together with the Lions Club, the Stirling Brigade created the early versions of trauma teddies to offer comfort to young children after incidents. After her studies, Yvonne continues her work in wellbeing as a Study Coordinator at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI). She is part of the Aboriginal Health Equity Unit, which is Australia’s biggest Indigenous health research unit.

Her work in peer support was pioneering, particularly when she initiated a joint team involving CFS, Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS), and St John Ambulance for Critical Incident Stress Management. ‘I ran after the speaker in the car park after a lecture, saying I wanted to be involved,’ Yvonne laughs. That led to forming a team that provided psychological support to emergency responders. This later evolved into Stress Prevention and Management (SPAM), a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for South Australian Emergency Service volunteers, staff, and their immediate families, which continues today.

Over the years, Yvonne has witnessed significant changes within the CFS. ‘The training is very different now. It’s more structured, and you can focus on specifics like pumps and first aid,’ she notes. The evolution of equipment has also been significant. ‘The way things are positioned on the trucks now is so much easier. It’s much more user-friendly,’ she adds.

Reflecting on some of the challenges she faced, Yvonne fondly remembers how she adapted in the early days. She used to keep a cloth nappy in the top of her helmet as it was too large for her. It also doubled as a makeshift P2 mask while fighting fires, she shares with a laugh. She continues that male colleagues were often jealous of my nappy trick, as it worked so well.

Her influence extended beyond her own experience and into her family. Yvonne recalls a touching moment with her daughter. ‘My daughter once said she wanted to be a nurse and a firefighter so she could save people from fires and then treat them. Her grandmother told her, “Women aren’t firefighters,” to which my daughter replied, “Well, Mum is.” Her grandmother said, “Well, she’s different.”’

In a proud moment for Yvonne, her daughter, who joined the CFS as a cadet, is now on the waitlist to join her local brigade. Yvonne is looking forward to her granddaughter reading this article, hoping it might encourage her to consider following the same path and join the CFS as a cadet. It’s a great example of how the involvement of women in firefighting is becoming a tradition in families.

Yvonne’s story is also a testament to women's progress in the CFS. ‘When I joined, I was the first female in the Hahndorf Brigade. Now, there are many women involved in active roles across different ages,’ she reflects. Her advice to young women considering joining the CFS is simple: ‘Be confident about what you’ve gained in skills. If you really like a particular aspect, put yourself forward for it.’

As we mark International Women's Day, Yvonne’s journey reminds us of the importance of inclusion and support in volunteer organisations. ‘It’s about setting people up to succeed,’ she says, reflecting on the supportive environment she has found within the CFS. ‘It’s not just about doing the job; it’s about learning from each other and mentoring others along the way.’

Yvonne Helps’ 30-year journey with the CFS is an example of dedication, resilience, and the impact of women in volunteer services. As we "March Forward" for all women and girls, her story inspires us to continue striving for equality and empowerment in all aspects of life. Within the emergency services sector, women like Yvonne Helps have been breaking barriers and creating change, paving the way for more inclusive environments.

While significant strides have been made, challenges remain, from gender stereotypes to barriers in leadership. The theme reminds us that we must continue pushing forward, turning commitments into action, especially in areas like emergency services where equality can have a direct impact on both the workforce and the communities they serve. Just as Yvonne's contributions to the CFS have inspired change, we all must keep working towards a future of true gender equality for all.