A local woman has been recognised for her service to Fire and Rescue NSW as the organisation celebrates 40 years of women in firefighting in 2025.

Jackie Watkins, who the first female to join Fire and Rescue NSW as a retained on-call firefighter in 1986, attended a reception at Government House earlier this month, hosted by the Governor of NSW, Margaret Beazley, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of women in Fire and Rescue NSW.

Fire and Rescue NSW says Jackie’s appointment to at Inverell Fire Station in 1986, and the many women who have joined their ranks since, highlights the increasing diversity and capability of FRNSW firefighters.

On-call firefighters are paid part-time and choose hours that suit their schedule with Jackie juggling a career, raising a family, along with firefighting duties, to play a critical role in community safety.

Mrs Watkins says it was a wonderful experience to reception at Government House