Melanie Petersen and Melinda Fitzpatrick
Two women have simultaneously been elected to senior leadership roles within CFA's Pentland Group, marking a first for District 15 in the state's west.
Coimadai Fire Brigade 2nd Lt. Melanie Petersen has been elected Deputy Group Officer for Training and Development, while Rowsley Fire Brigade Communications Officer Melinda Fitzpatrick has been elected as Deputy Group Communications Officer.
Both women were nominated by members of the Pentland Group and will support its six brigades across Moorabool Shire: Rowsley, Balliang and District, Coimadai, Myrniong, Parwan and Bacchus Marsh.
Both said they were proud to have earned the confidence of volunteers across the group.
"It's a great honour that my peers have shown this faith in me," Melanie said.
"It was something I wanted to aspire to, but I wasn't expecting it to happen anytime soon."
Melinda said she was also proud to be nominated by her brigade and was pleased to take on the new role.
"I've been the Communications Officer for five years, and I was happy to take on the Deputy Group Communications Officer position," Melinda said.
"I'm looking forward to becoming more involved across our area, assisting other brigades and doing what is best for the group."
Melanie joined CFA in 2013 in search of a new challenge and an opportunity to give back to her community.
"It's a really great opportunity to be recognised for my commitment and the skill set I bring to the table," Melanie said.
Melinda has been a CFA volunteer for more than 10 years and has held the Communications Officer role at brigade level for the past five years. She said the appointments reflected the growing contribution of women across the Pentland Group.
"It shows that the women within our group are stepping up, turning up and turning out," Melinda said.
Melanie said she was excited to work alongside Melinda and the wider Group Management Team.
"I think we'll be a good team," Melanie said.
"We've all got unique backgrounds and will bring different strengths as we support our local fire brigades.
"Women are equally able to contribute on the fireground and in leadership roles.
"We often bring a different angle and different insights, which helps create a more balanced leadership team."
