Firefighting runs in her family: Tuncester firey Trudy Osborne awarded tertiary scholarship

A North Coast firey is following her grandfathers, fathers, and uncles footsteps as the first female firey in her family following her dream to lead and protect her community. Here’s her story.

Tuncester RFS volunteer Trudy Osborne has been awarded a major scholarship to study through the Rural Fire Service (RFS).

A Northern Rivers firefighter following in her family’s footsteps is one of eleven in the state selected for scholarships to enhance their abilities as professional emergency responders.

Tuncester volunteer, formerly Deputy Captain at Huskisson Rural Fire Brigade, Shoalhaven District said she is “pretty stoked” to be part of this year’s scholarship cohort.

“This scholarship means a lot as I didn’t think that I would study, so I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to pursue it further,” Ms Osborne said.

Advanced firefighter Trudy Osborne, centre, with her Huskisson crew.

“I grew up around a fire station, my grandfather, father and my uncle were all firefighters for Fire and Rescue in Orange, and then I got into it and joined the volunteer RFS – the first female in my family and still the only one which is a big achievement for me.”

NSW RFS volunteer firefighter Trudy Osborne's grandfather (left), uncle, and father who were all part of Fire and Rescue in Orange.

With the aid of the scholarship Ms Osborne is studying her certificate IV trainer and assessor and a graduate certificate in emergency and disaster management through Central Qld University.

“I’ve always had that passion for firefighting,” she said.

NSW RFS volunteer firefighter at Tuncester Trudy Osborne (right) with her grandfather who was part of Fire and Rescue, stationed at Orange, NSW.

“I started in 2013 where I did a series of training and made my way through all the different qualifications all the way up to a leadership role where I was a deputy Captain.”

Ms Osborne said she thrived off the training on offer through the Rural Fire Service and wanted to learn as much as she can to “bring that back to the community” and “open more doors for women firefighters”.

Tuncester firey Trudy Osborne, front row, second from left, is one of 11 to receive a scholarship through the Rural Fire Service Association that will give her additional training to become a more adept emergency response professional.

RFSA President, Scott Campbell, said the annual scholarships provided by the Rural Fire Service Association were one of the key support programs for their members.

“The scholarships are designed to enhance the professional and personal development of our members, to improve career development, and promote a high standard of professional service to the community,” Mr Campbell said.

Ms Osborne is looking forward to completing her studies saying there is “always encouragement within the RFS”.