Images and documents related to the Women’s Fire Auxiliary (NSW) 1940-1945

1. Dr Merilyn Childs
http://womeninfirefighting.blogspot.com.au/

2.  http://www.slideshare.net/MerilynChilds/visual-
representations-of-female-fire-fighters-and-women-in-
relationship-to-fire-fighting
 http://www.slideshare.net/MerilynChilds/recreating-female-
fire-fighters-uniforms-nsw-australia
 http://www.slideshare.net/MerilynChilds/key-note-address-
women-in-firefighting-conference-2006

3. 748 women were enrolled in the NSW Women’s Fire Auxiliary
(McGrath, date unknown) prior to the disbandment of the WFA
on 26th July 1945. The Board of Fire Commissioners stated that
“the women must observe the same discipline as permanent
firemen” (December 4th 1941). They did comprehensive training,
field activities, and were issued with a certificate. Some members
of the WFA went on to be promoted.
To read the documents issues by the Board of Fire Commissioners to
establish (c1940) and disestablish the WFA (26 th July, 1945), see
• http://bit.ly/YBFiSQ
• http://bit.ly/15gizjo
• http://bit.ly/Z8H4eb
• http://bit.ly/YK88ns

4.  This slide provides an eclectic mix of
photographs and documents related to the
Women’s Fire Auxiliary NSW. A detailed
study across NSW archives has yet to be
completed.
 I hope you enjoy!

29. • After the WFA were
disbanded 26th July 1945,
women were banned from
employment in the fire
services, as was the case with
many post-war industries.
• It was not until the New
South Wales Anti-
Discrimination Act 1977
(NSW) was passed that this
changed. In May 1982 the
first “lady firefighters” (sic)
entered the NSW Fire
Brigades.

30.  The WFA was established in a number of states
in Australia. The information contained in this
presentation is limited to the NSW WFA.
 If your mother, sister, aunt, or female friend or
relative was a member of the WFA – and you
are willing to share stories, anecdotes, photos
or documents - please contact me!