Call for young female firefighters to step up as regional stations battle workforce shortages

When the phone rings she must answer — even when she's at work. "So, if anything was to come up, it's always good to look at," Ms Cesco said. Fire and Rescue New South Wales assistant commissioner of regional operations Cheryl Steer said recruitment was underway in south-west New South Wales. "Like many sectors short of staff in regional locations at present, finding suitable on-call firefighter candidates around Balranald has recently proved challenging," she said. "We expect our current bushfire mitigation strategy, which includes a program of hazard reduction burns in concert with the NSW Rural Fire Service, will place our communities in good stead," Assistant Commissioner Steer said.