A dedicated Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteer leader who has transformed gender equity and leadership pathways across East Gippsland has been inducted into the 2026 Victorian Honour Roll of Women as a ‘Local Champion’.
Kathryn Williams joined 26 other remarkable inductees honoured at a ceremony at Arts Centre Melbourne on Wednesday, September 23.
Joining the CFA in 2015, Ms Williams quickly progressed through operational ranks. In 2021, she became the only female Deputy Group Officer in District 11, East Gippsland, before being appointed as the region’s first female District Planning Committee Chair.
Her leadership has driven lasting structural change across the district, resulting in 50 per cent female representation on Group Management Teams and 50/50 female participation in strike team deployments during 2025/26.
Through her role on the CFA’s Women’s Advisory Committee, Ms Williams co-developed a statewide Women in Leadership Mentoring Program in 2022. She later presented on the initiative’s success in fostering diversity at the Australian Fire Agencies Conference in 2024.
Ms Williams continues to champion structural reforms that build capability and confidence for women, leading to significant increases in female representation both on and off the fireground.
The Victorian Honour Roll of Women recognises the contributions of outstanding women across the state, with more than 800 inductees celebrated since the initiative began in 2001.
