The Entrance fire station will be one of seven state-wide to receive priority upgrades providing fit-for-purpose amenities under the NSW Government’s $50M investment aimed at supporting female firefighters.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the existing facilities will be upgraded with toilets, showers and change rooms to give women access to the same amenities as men.
“This project will benefit both female and male firefighters by providing them with private, separate bathrooms,” Crouch said.
“No matter where a woman wants to work they should have access to the same facilities as men and this upgrade will see more women feeling welcomed, respected and comfortable at work.”
Treasurer Matt Kean said the upgrade will help break down barriers that stop women from becoming firefighters.
“No matter where a woman works, they should have access to appropriate facilities and this investment will ensure our fire stations offer that,” he said.
“Modernising our stations is a vital part of attracting more women to firefighting and strengthening our frontline emergency services.”
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the $50M 2022-23 Budget investment will be progressively rolled out over 10 years.
“We want to make sure everyone feels comfortable in the workplace,” she said.
“With more women joining the firefighting ranks, access to appropriate amenities at fire stations is essential.
“These upgrades will see more women feeling welcomed, respected and comfortable at work and a valued part of the local team.”
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said many fire stations across NSW were constructed decades ago and are not appropriate for a modern and diverse workforce.
“Every graduation it’s pleasing to see dozens more women joining the firefighting ranks, and as the state’s first female Emergency Services Minister, I’m immensely proud to be delivering a program that will make it easier for women of the future to follow their lead,” she said.
Ten per cent of FRNSW’s permanent firefighters and 13 per cent of on-call firefighters are women.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner Paul Baxter said FRNSW is committed to the safety and wellbeing of firefighters and providing a more inclusive work environment.
“This investment will help improve workplace conditions for all firefighters by providing men and women with private, separate facilities to ensure our people feel comfortable at work,” he said.
An additional 12 fire stations are expected to be upgraded in the 2023-24 financial year.
Source: Media release, Jan 11, 2023 NSW Government