Heathdale Christian College student Rose Higgs recently represented her CFA brigade at a CFA International Women’s Day event, recognising the contributions and leadership of women across the organisation.
Rose, who has been involved with the CFA since the age of 13, attended the event as nominee for the Diversity and Inclusion Award. The nomination recognised an initiative Rose helped to lead while part of the Werribee Junior Fire Brigade, advocating for a change to competition uniform pants from white to a darker colour to better support young female members. She initiated the change after experiencing firsthand the challenges the uniform presented for young girls. The proposal was raised through brigade leadership and, following consultation, the change was approved and implemented. Other brigades recognised the value in the shift and later adopted similar changes.
The International Women’s Day event brought together CFA members from across the organisation. Rose shared that, while she was initially nervous about attending as one of the youngest people in the room, the experience was both encouraging and impactful. “It was a really good experience for me,” she said, as the event featured presentations focused on equity, inclusion and the importance of taking practical action to create meaningful change. Rose particularly valued the message that progress requires more than discussion, highlighting the importance of actively stepping forward to make improvements.
During the event, Rose and her brigade were announced as recipients of the Diversity and Inclusion Award, an outcome Rose described as unexpected but deeply affirming. “I was so excited and really proud of us,” she shared, reflecting on the moment their brigade was recognised for its efforts.
Now 16, Rose has recently transitioned into the Senior Brigade and continues to take on leadership opportunities within the CFA, including serving as a Junior Brigade Captain. She is currently completing her general firefighter training and hopes to continue developing her leadership skills into the future.
Rose’s involvement in the CFA, and her participation in the International Women’s Day event, reflect a strong commitment to service, leadership and advocating for positive change. At Heathdale Christian College, we are committed to developing each child’s God‑given potential, and we are proud to see Rose using her gifts with confidence. We congratulate her on this significant achievement and commend her for representing both her brigade and our school community so well.
L-R: Vivienne Nguyen (Chair, Victoria Multicultural Commission) | Rose Higgs, Captain, Werribee Junior Fire Brigade and Firefighter Werribee Fire Brigade | Alannah Inglis, Junior Program Leader and Firefighter Werribee Fire Brigade | Lisa Bubb, Junior Program Leader and Member Werribee Fire Brigade | Michael Trifilo, Junior Program Leader and Firefighter Werribee Fire Brigade | Dr Niki Vincent (Commissioner for Gender Equality in the Public Sector)