Meet Bronnie Mackintosh
Hi, I’m Bronnie Mackintosh—firefighter, community leader, and former international rugby player with over 20 years at Fire and Rescue NSW. I’ve worked on the frontlines and behind the scenes to make emergency services more inclusive and accessible, especially for young people and underrepresented communities.
I’m the Founder and CEO of Girls on Fire Australia, a national not-for-profit helping young women and diverse communities explore careers in firefighting. Our programs build skills, confidence, and leadership—especially in regional and disaster-affected areas.
I’ve delivered a TEDx talk on opening doors in male-dominated industries, drawing on my journey as a firefighter and Wallaroo (Australia’s women’s rugby team). Whether in sport, emergency services, or community work, I’m passionate about helping people speak up and lead.
My talks focus on real-world action: - Engaging young people in disaster preparedness - Driving change without waiting for permission - Making diversity and inclusion real - Building stronger communities through youth-led leadership
I bring lived experience, practical insights, and genuine passion. If you’re after a speaker who turns big ideas into real change, I’d love to join the conversation.
My Why
I started Girls on Fire because too many young people couldn’t see themselves in fire and emergency services—no one had shown them it was possible. I believe if you can’t see it, you can’t be it.
Our camps give young people—especially young women and those from underrepresented communities—a hands-on experience: wearing the uniform, riding trucks, rolling hoses, cutting cars, solving problems. They don’t just watch—they do. And in doing so, they see a future they hadn’t imagined.
This isn’t just about recruitment—it’s about building confidence and belonging. We create inclusive spaces where young people can discover their strengths, from leadership and teamwork to compassion, curiosity, and the will to protect others.
We go where we’re needed—regional towns, juvenile justice centres, Aboriginal communities, and LGBTQIA+ youth spaces—showing that everyone has something to offer.
Around 30% of participants join volunteer services, and some step straight into paid roles. But what matters most is they leave with confidence and a clearer sense of what they’re capable of.
That’s why I do this—because every young person deserves to see their future and know they belong.
My Accomplishments
Founded Girls on Fire Australia – empowering youth through emergency services programs (Jul 2021–present)
Awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) for diversity leadership (Jan 2019)
Delivered the FRNSW Inclusion Framework and action plans across all diversity portfolios (2019–2021)
Seconded to AFAC as Diversity & Inclusion Project Manager, influencing national strategy (Dec 2018–May 2019)
Recipient of the Winston Churchill Fellowship, researching global fire sector inclusion (2015)
Spoke at TEDx Sydney on diversity in emergency services (2018)
Fun facts
● My most memorable call out with fire and rescue was a fire call on Australia Day in Moree during a heatwave where a brand new rescue composite tanker was completely brunt to cinders with a wind change.
● I’ve travelled to 30+ countries, and you can always count on me to swing from 1 star to 5 star with food, accommodation and activities to get the full experience.
● I’m originally a New Zealander and will love you to pieces if you bring me chocolate fish and hokey pokey ice cream
● I’m a big believer in youth-led action on climate change and disaster readiness as the way of the future – and that we can start at eight years old. Ask me how.
● My tackling and scrum techniques are legendary and I’m not afraid to use them, on and off the field!
● No matter how I try, I still haven’t gotten the hang of singing in key!
● If you look closely at a lot of Girls on Fire camp photos, you’ll see my beloved dogs Buddy and Missybu acting as unofficial morale officers
How I can help
Engaging young people in social change and direct action
Creating opportunities for yourself and others through self-advocacy
Making diversity and inclusion work in the real world
How to champion your idea – with or without the boss’ approval
Creating safer communities through individual and youth-led action
Understanding disaster preparedness & climate action at street level
Profile information supplied through Cuppa’s talent directory. Availability and suitability are confirmed on enquiry.