Australian-born Cathy Wilhelm (nee Constantinou), of Greek and Cypriot heritage, has been a volunteer firefighter with Country Fire Authority (CFA) since 2019.
Cathy said she chose to volunteer with CFA as family members were also CFA volunteers, and she has always enjoyed helping others.
“I always looked up to my family for what they did for their community and hoped that one day I could do the same,” she said.
“Living in a small Country town, I took the plunge and thought it was fitting to join the local fire brigade.”
Cathy says it is extremely important to have women representing emergency services. “Whether they are on the front line or helping behind the scenes, we all need to work together and gel as one.
“That’s what makes volunteers so special, we are equal and have one thing in common – we just want to help our community.”
Cathy says she is fortunate to be part of a wonderful group of volunteers at the Macclesfield Fire Brigade.
“We have many female volunteer firefighters in our brigade, including our brilliant captain; this is how we #BreakTheBias.”
