Airservices Australia's Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) service has marked a historic triple celebration at its Melbourne Training Facility.
Airservices is honouring ARFF's 100th recruit course graduation since 1977, the 70th anniversary of the formal establishment of ARFF in Australia in 1954 - and the first woman recipient of the much-coveted national Silver Axe Award - Most Outstanding Recruit.
ARFF is the only national fire service in the country - a rapid intervention, first response service which engages within minutes to provide aviation rescue and fire fighting services at 27 of Australia's busiest airports.
The milestone virtual ARFF Recruit Course 100 Graduation Ceremony saw our recruits embark on the next stage of their dynamic careers as they take up posts around the country. It heralded the hard work of the graduating class, and the dedication of countless individuals who've contributed to the success of our training programs, from instructors and mentors through to support staff and leadership.
Of course, no other recruit can lay claim to having blitzed the gruelling 15-week ARFF theory and practical training course as brilliantly as Melbourne local Jasmin Wood, 33. Jasmin's graduated top of the class as the first woman to win our much-coveted national Silver Axe Award - Most Outstanding Recruit.
Jasmin, an ex-police officer, received the top honour for being the best recruit across all aspects of the training, from performance through to team work.
"I'm truly honoured to receive the award - it's a dream come true to put on the ARFF service uniform," Jasmin said.
"I couldn't have done it without my RC100 – it wouldn't be fair not to mention them. They were some of the best people I've ever met
"This win will hopefully encourage more women to enter the service."
