Sparks ignite global fire exchange in Far North Queensland

The internationally-renowned Women-in-Fire Training Exchange (WTREX) program is coordinated by the American-based organisation Fire Networks, bringing together a diverse group of fire practitioners for live-fire training, deeper learnings on fire ecology, policy and social dynamics.

Ranger Alex said her experience in California gave her the spark to work with Chloe and Kylee and bring the program to Queensland.

‘I found it so empowering to be surrounded by Indigenous women. Being able to share our knowledge and the passion we all have for fire, and to be able to put it back into the landscape and keep Country healthy,’ Ranger Alex said.

‘We had the vision to bring WTREX to Australia and I thought ‘why not Undara?’, because it’s not a landscape that many people get to experience.

Powerful exchange in action

The lucky firefighters selected to join the exchange came from many different fire departments, parks services, Aboriginal Corporations and land management organisations from across the globe including Canada, United States of America and Australia.

There were seven Rangers selected from QPWS to be part of the program—Abagail from Townsville, Amira-Jane from Cooloola South Noosa, Ivana from Kingaroy, Kaitlyn from Cairns, Rachel from K’gari, Ruth from Tewantin and Fabiana from Mareeba.

Most participants identified as First Nations, and all came with a willingness to learn and share and continue to build a supportive international network of women in fire.

Each aspect of the program was heavily supported by QPWS and QFD personnel, as well as Aboriginal Corporations and Ranger networks. These included the Ewamian Limited Aboriginal Corporation, Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji Peoples Prescribed Body Corporate Aboriginal Corporation, the Yaramulla Ranger group, Gambir Yidinji fire practitioners and Gambir Yidinji Cultural Heritage protection.

The program incorporated First Nations culture and traditional knowledge into every aspect of the exchange. Each element reflected the deep connection between Australia’s First Nations peoples and Country, giving participants a unique opportunity to experience some of the oldest continuous living fire and land management practices in the world.

An integral part of the program was practical live fire training.

Everyone engaged in planned and traditional burns in Savannah Country on Undara Volcanic National Park as well as rainforest Country and coastal areas around Far North Queensland.

Other activities included Welcome to Country and smoking ceremonies, flora and fauna identification sessions, traditional weaving, and expert-led discussions on topics such as traditional fire knowledge and the Incident Command System.

A life-changing impact

Much like how Alex, Chloe and Kylee were inspired to carry the WTREX torch to Far North Queensland, there is no doubt that AUS WTREX has inspired a new wave of women and Indigenous people in fire management to help build a stronger and more diverse international fire network through their own passion, respect and care for one another.

AUS WTREX would not have been possible without the unrelenting passion of the organisers, supporters, guest speakers and participants. Ranger Alex played an integral role in bringing the event to life. Sharing her personal connection to the area made a lasting impact on everyone involved, culminating in Alex lighting the first AUS WTREX fire at Undara using a Buri (fire) stick gifted by David Hudson—symbolising the start of a shared journey in Australia.