WOMEN of CFA from all over the state gathered at their respective regional Women’s Challenge Camps to break down barriers and push themselves out of their comfort zones. Members gathered at the Ovens Valley Homestead recently to enjoy their inaugural Women's Challenge Camp. The camps are run over one weekend in each CFA region and provide the women in that area with the opportunity to face physical and mental challenges together while delving into personal development, leadership, team building and networking sessions. Organiser and member of the Volunteer Sustainability Team in the region, Tanya Lumley, said it was important to create spaces like these for women within CFA so they can learn and feel supported. "The goal is to have more people learn about themselves in a space where there are no barriers, real or perceived, where they can speak up and really step into themselves," Ms Lumley said. "The camp is a chance for women to be further supported and encouraged, where they can step into new spaces and new conversations with 50 other like-minded people around to catch them." Participants enjoyed a panel discussion from pioneering women within CFA who spoke about challenging stereotypes and building their own self-confidence and pushed their bodies to complete outdoor challenge activities. The women also had the chance to ask questions of the Deputy Chief Officer and Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer from the area.
