As the weather warms and fire season will soon be upon us, Forestry Corporation of NSW has recruited its latest team of seasonal firefighters to help protect State forests.

Included is Batemans Bay local, Sabina Hughes, who joins as a new recruit already with strong firefighting experience.

Sabina also works for Fire and Rescue NSW and is keen to further develop her firefighting experiences.

“I fell in love with firefighting years ago, it’s a great field to challenge myself and see adventure,” Mrs Hughes said.

“It’s exciting to join Forestry Corporation and immerse myself further in the field.

“The seasonal work complements my Fire and Rescue NSW position well and I can get more involved in managing bushfires and fire prevention.”

While firefighting can be seen as a male-dominated industry, Sabina strongly encourages other women to think about a career with firefighting.

“My advice for other women is to believe in yourself and put in the application,” Mrs Hughes said.

“I love it and being able to go to a fire to play my part is a massive confidence boost. Our training is comprehensive and we get to make a difference when it matters.”

Around a third of seasonal recruits are women and Forestry Corporation Protection Supervisor Julian Armstrong is pleased to have growing diversity in the organisation’s firefighting team.

“More diversity ultimately means better decisions on the fire front,” Mr Armstrong said.

“We work hard to build a diverse and skilled seasonal workforce — people like Sabina are an essential part of our defence against bushfire.

“Our training program prepares recruits for their role on the fire ground and people get to learn skills like using chainsaws, first aid, chemical use and driving trucks.”

Forestry Corporation is responsible for preventing and managing fires in two million hectares of state forests across NSW. It also assists with large bushfires on private property and other bushland in Australia and also overseas.

The organisation recruits its seasonal firefighting force in around July each year. To find out more, visit www.forestrycorporation.com.au.

Media contact: Rod Campbell 0428 058 549