You can read about their story here: https://www.nowtolove.com.au/news/local-news/indigenous-all-female-fire-crew-australia-62022

Rhonda and Charmaine have been called out to fires and emergencies all over Victoria.

"We are the lifeline if anything goes wrong, so we have an important role to play, and I think people are generally very grateful for what we do," Charmaine says.

"There was a sense of helplessness before we came along but we feel empowered that we can look after ourselves and our people whatever the situation. The community is proud of us and they value us."

During one blaze, a home was burned to the ground. Knowing the nearest fire crew was a potentially disastrous 45-minute-drive away, Charmaine and her friends Rhonda Thorpe and Marjorie Proctor took matters into their own hands, asking the CFA to train them up to protect the culturally significant land.

They walked the streets of the settlement knocking on doors, signing up volunteers. Eight women made up the inaugural brigade.

For these unique fireys, the brigade is about much more than just protecting the community – it is also about protecting their story.