Female captains appointed in first for southern Riverina as opportunity knocks for regional community
Published: 26 May 2026 10:00am
In a first for the southern Riverina, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has appointed two female captains as it appeals for additional firefighters in the region.
Donna Simmons from Culcairn and Cathrina Shaw from Mulwala are the first women to hold the rank in a zone that spans communities like Wagga, Albury, Jerilderie, Tumbarumba, Berrigan and Deniliquin.
Captain Simmons began working at Culcairn in 2012 as an On-Call firefighter before becoming Deputy Captain in 2018.
Captain Shaw was appointed as an On-Call firefighter in Mulwala in 2021 and as Deputy Captain at the station in 2023.
The leaders have both also been actively involved with the towns they have served, through family and sporting activities.
Nearby, another regional brigade is looking for community members to step up and join the fire service.
Tocumwal Fire Station is now recruiting On-Call personnel to help protect the border town.
The brigade is holding an information night at the station at 6pm on May 27 to answer residents’ questions and discuss why Tocumwal is worth firefighting for.
The role does not require any experience but offers community members a chance to learn new skills, get paid an hourly rate, train with a team, and meaningfully contribute to their town.
Tocumwal firefighters are also trained by NSW Ambulance to provide advanced first aid.
Candidates can apply for the role online until 11:55pm on Sunday, May 31.
***CORRECTION 26 May 2026: Please note that Captain Shaw has always been attached to Mulwala Fire Station.
Updated: 26 May 2026 1:43pm