Macy Fuller, from Yaapeet to the firefront

Macy Fuller’s career journey with Forest Fire Management Victoria has been one of continuous challenge and reward.

Growing up in the tiny Mallee town of Yaapeet, a passion for nature and the environment naturally led to a career in land management.,

Macey started as a seasonal project firefighter in Casterton in the state’s far southwest during the 2022/23 season. She is now Forest and Fire Operations Team Leader in Rainbow, just a stone's throw from Yaapeet.

Returning home

After two seasons gaining invaluable experience at Casterton, the opportunity to return home to the Mallee came up.

The variety of the job is a key appeal, from maintaining firebreaks and controlling weeds to cleaning campsites and clearing tracks for emergency access.

Being part of the Rainbow community, the very place they protect, makes the work even more worthwhile.

An unforgettable sound

The most challenging moment so far was during asset protection in the recent Grampians fires.

‘We were working night shift, fighting fatigue, when we got pulled out of the bush as the fire came roaring towards us. The sound of it was unforgettable,’ Macy recalls.

Despite the intensity of chasing spot fires on private property as dawn broke, the fulfilment gained from protecting the community was immense.

Among the exciting moments was working at the Stawell airbase during the Yarram Gap fire, learning about equipment from international pilots and engineers, and even getting to sit in a cockpit!

A rewarding job

To women considering firefighting, Macy's advice is clear, ‘Apply!’

She emphasises the supportive team environment, constant learning, diverse work, and avenues for progression.

‘Working with a like-minded group of people in our beautiful parks and forests is so rewarding,’ Macy shares.

Outside of work, her love of the outdoors extends to camping and bushwalking.

‘This job has taught me so much by constantly extending me outside my comfort zone, physically and mentally. I’ve learnt to be more decisive, more resilient, to be prepared for anything and to always expect the unexpected.’ Macy said.

Now, Macy is ready for her first international deployment to Alberta, Canada.