As seen at the recent fire in difficult terrain at Flowerdale, northeast of Melbourne, Forest Fire Management Victoria’s (FFMVic) aerial firefighting fleet is an important part of its fire suppression arsenal.
In celebration of Women of Aviation Worldwide Week, we recognise the women who are part of our and our partner fire agencies aerial firefighting fleets.
The global aviation awareness week marks the anniversary of the first woman in the world’ gaining a pilot’s licence, in France on March 8, 1910.
FFMVic embraces the celebration as an opportunity to highlight progress in its work towards greater gender diversity and equality in its fire and emergency roles, including in aviation.
Julie Jones is an Aircraft Officer in the Loddon Mallee Region, who is also rostered on the State Air Desk when required.
When she isn’t activated in her fire role, she works in DEECA’s Land and Environment Program.
‘My role in the Land and Environment Program is quite varied,’ Julie said.
‘I issue, monitor and administer licences, leases, permits, and consents on unreserved Crown land.
‘I also make sure the use and sale of Crown land complies with all relevant legislation, policies and guidelines.’
Julie fell into aviation by accident.
‘I was in the right place at the right time,’ Julie said.
‘But once I become involved there was no turning back. I found it very interesting.
‘When I first started in the aircraft unit over 25 years ago it was very much a male dominated area, but as the years have gone on, the gender balance has improved considerably!’
As an Aircraft Officer, Julie liaises between the Operations Officer and the aircraft in and over the fire, provides advice regarding tactical aircraft, and conducts daily briefings with Air Attack Supervisors, pilots, and ground crew at the airbase.
During the bushfire season Julie is rostered on the State Air Desk, supporting the day-to-day activities for the aerial firefighting fleet.
‘On the State Air Desk, I am involved in receiving and actioning dispatch requests, dispatching aviation resources, and communicating with aircraft operators and agency personnel to ensure their readiness and conducting flight following of aircraft as required,’ Julie said.
Julie urged women thinking of taking up a role in aviation to ‘just do it’.
‘Don’t hesitate,’ she said.
‘It is a great role.
‘I enjoy being part of the aircraft unit, they are a unique bunch of people.’
