Six firey females in six regions
From the Lower South-East to the Far North of the state, the CFS is proud of its many female volunteers in leadership roles.
They’re our captains, lieutenants and Group Officers to name a few, and today on International Women’s Day we’re shining a light on six of these leaders across our six regions.
Region 1: Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island
Katrina Lloyd, Cape Jervis Captain
Katrina Lloyd hails from Cape Jervis and a proud family of SA Country Fire Service volunteers. But despite being the first female in the clan to join the ranks, she has always run her own race and never compared herself to anyone else.
“The group of people that I’ve got here – men and women, they’re just a great bunch. A lot of them are family members and older members, and they’re all so dedicated to wanting to help the community and lucky for me they really respect what I do.”
Region 2: Upper Mount Lofty Ranges, Yorke Peninsula and Lower North
Rosemary McDonnell, Dublin CFS Captain
In the heart of the Adelaide Plains, Rosemary is making waves for her strong leadership skills at the Dublin CFS brigade. She gave up the city life to run a hobby farm, but her true passion comes out when she puts on her Personal Protection Clothing (PPC) and jumps in a fire truck.
“So here I am, and I just love the responsibilities that come with it: developing skills, engaging with our local community, running training nights and responding to a variety of incidents.”
Region 3: Murraylands and Riverland
Leanne Kruger, Karoonda CFS Captain
It took a major fire at nearby Billiatt Conservation Park to convince the Karoonda mum of four to join the Country Fire Service, but the 47-year-old Murraylands resident has never looked back. When the position of captain came up, Leanne’s colleagues wasted no time convincing her to nominate for the role.
“I thought the crew would crack a joke about wanting me in a leadership role, but they were so supportive. It’s so good to see more and more female volunteers in leadership roles so I reckon International Women’s Day is a great opportunity to shine a light on CFS women.”
Region 4: Flinders, Mid North and Pastoral Areas
Tobi-Jane Spanos, Roxby Downs Lieutenant 1
Since 2008, Tobi-Jane Spanos has been living and giving to others in the far-north town of Roxby Downs and was instantly taken by the region, her job, and the Emergency Services sector. To help her along the way and to progress her career, Tobi-Jane undertook essential CFS training for Road Crash Rescue, Breathing Apparatus and HazMat (hazardous materials).
“Having these skills under my belt has meant I could move up the ranks to Lieutenant 1 and be part of bigger events and campaigns.”
Region 5: South East
Mariska Hawke, Deputy Group Officer, Wattle Range CFS Group
In the small, country town of Kalangadoo, Mariska is a star on the rise. Six months ago, she was voted in for the important role of Deputy Group Officer, which provides support to both the Group Officer and directly to the regional brigades in human resources, finance, logistics and the broad spectrum of incidents - from minor right through to large bushfires.
“So, I’m Deputy Group Officer today, perhaps Chief Officer tomorrow… but only if they move the whole headquarters down here to Region Five! I love it here too much.”
Region 6: Eyre Peninsula and West Coast
Ros Hocking, Wanilla CFS Captain
As brigade captain, wool classer and mum of three at the family farm on the Lower Eyre Peninsula, it’s a balancing act that Ros handles with grace and professionalism in a region prone to bushfires. Ros is also an advocate for her family and the community to be mentally equipped for emergencies – an often overlooked part of being bushfire ready.
“To anyone considering a CFS career – especially any women in the region - I’d love to see more people get involved and I’d be willing to help show them what they can accomplish and how they can gain more confidence in themselves. I guarantee they’ll be surprised by what they can achieve.”