Airservices Australia aviation rescue fire fighters have marked International Women’s Day (IWD) by encouraging more women to join the dynamic frontline service – a high-impact career at the heart of Australia’s aviation industry.
In a Channel 7News Melbourne exclusive today, to mark IWD, Airservices’ Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) service instructors Kristin Alston and Alissa Chant spoke about the joys and challenges of the job at our Melbourne ARFF Training facility.
Newcomers, ARFF Recruit Course 106 trainees Jessica Monk and Sara Pihlflyckt, who are halfway through their rigorous 15-week training course, also echoed the call for more women aviation rescue fire fighters to seek rewarding ARFF careers, where no two days are alike, and they’ll proudly safeguard both the community and our customer airlines.
This year’s IWD UN Women Australia’s theme, Balance the Scales, is focused on moving beyond celebration to tangible, practical changes that foster equality, safety, and empowerment for all women and girls.
Airservices’ ARFF service is the only national fire service in the country – a rapid intervention, first-response service which engages within minutes to provide aviation rescue and fire fighting services at 27 of Australia’s busiest airports.
Alissa, who graduated from ARFF Recruit Course 101 in 2024 to quickly rise through the ranks to become an ARFF instructor, has long championed women joining the service, where “strength and care belong in the same uniform”.
“I’m proud to do a job that keeps me strong, connected and part of a team and family that has each other’s backs,” she said.
“This career challenges me, grounds me, and reminds me every day what I’m capable of – standing shoulder-to-shoulder with my mates and colleagues, knowing they support me regardless of gender – is a great feeling.
“If you’re thinking about joining Airservices’ ARFF service – get fit, get your application in, and we’ll see you here. Don’t give up if it’s something you are passionate about!”
Airservices Australia Chief Executive Officer Rob Sharp said women were pursuing rewarding careers in all parts of Airservices, including as ARFF, air traffic controllers, operational leaders, engineers and more.
“International Women’s Day is an important day to honour all our women employees and leaders who often bring distinct, high-value skills to the workplace,” Mr Sharp said.
“ARFF is a great example of the dynamic, frontline roles on offer for women as we proactively build our workforce via rolling national recruitment campaigns.
“At Airservices, we continue to focus on enhancing women’s representation in leadership and operational roles, supporting work-life balance through flexible policies, achieving equitable pay, and fostering a culture of safety and inclusion through our people policies and processes.”
Airservices’ key diversity and inclusion sponsorship programs and initiatives include its Girls on Fire partnership to deliver evidence-based cultural immersion and fire programs to teenagers to reinforce the many rewarding career opportunities for women at Airservices and why we are an employer of choice.
In addition, joint scholarships from Airservices Australia and the Australian Women Pilots’ Association boost women’s opportunities to pursue a career in aviation by contributing to the cost of their flight training and removing financial barriers to becoming a pilot.
To submit an Expression of Interest for an ARFF role, visit Current opportunities – Airservices.
About Airservices
Airservices Australia is a government-owned organisation responsible for safely and efficiently managing air traffic in 11 per cent of the world’s airspace, as well as the provision of aviation rescue fire fighting services at Australia’s busiest airports. We are regulated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and work closely with our customers and industry to support the long-term growth of the aviation industry.
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