Female firefighters bring new skills and diversity to Merredin's brigade

The stereotypical picture of buff, oiled up, semi-nude firemen who grace the cover of calendars are a far cry from the volunteer firefighters you are likely to see across Western Australia's eastern Wheatbelt. Key points: Women make up almost half of Merredin's Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Lieutenant Sheree Lowe says the brigade offers a childminding program to attract female volunteers Across the state, women make up little more than 21 per cent of the service In Merredin, 12 of the 26 volunteer firefighters and support staff are female — a figure not replicated in any other volunteer fire service in the state. Lieutenant Sheree Lowe has been campaigning for more women to volunteer at the Merredin Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service since she joined the brigade seven years ago. Lieutenant Lowe says the program has given people a way to volunteer for the brigade even if they "don't really want to be on the end of a hose". Lieutenant Lowe received a Western Australia Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Firefighting Award last month for her efforts to recruit and retain women.