It is with immense joy that we celebrate Joy Pitts, who has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her extraordinary service to Victoria and Australia through her dedication to the Country Fire Authority (CFA). This prestigious recognition Honors her 45 years of unwavering commitment as a CFA volunteer, serving at local, group, and state levels.

Joy began her remarkable journey with CFA in 1980 at Wattle Glen Fire Brigade, where she broke barriers as the first woman to serve as an active firefighter at a time when women on the fireground were rare. Her trailblazing spirit paved the way for future generations of women in firefighting. Beyond fighting fires, Joy became accredited to drive all brigade vehicles and served as brigade secretary from 1984 to 1992.

From 1999 to 2018, Joy took on critical roles as secretary, treasurer, and support staff for the Whittlesea Diamond Valley Fire Brigades Group, supporting brigades in some of Melbourne’s fastest-growing communities along the urban-rural interface. During major incidents, including the Black Saturday fires, Joy’s contributions in Incident Control Centers and Local Command Facilities were invaluable.

In 2011, Joy was a founding member of District 14 Headquarters Brigade (East), where she served as a radio operator and, since 2017, as brigade secretary.  Joy also served as Secretary of Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria District 14 Council for several years.

Her dedication extended to driver education, where, alongside her husband Dale, she conducted over 150 paid on-road and off-road driving courses, 47 volunteer-led courses, and 800 license tests for CFA members through VicRoads. Joy’s efforts have ensured CFA volunteers across Victoria are equipped to safely operate fire trucks and brigade vehicles, enabling them to respond to emergencies and engage in community education.

Joy’s legacy as a CFA volunteer, a champion for her community, and a pioneer for women in firefighting is truly remarkable. Her contributions have been previously recognized by Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) with the VFBV Gold Star for 30 years of service, and now, the Medal of the Order of Australia stands as a testament to her enduring impact on the Whittlesea, Nillumbik, and broader Victorian communities.

Thank you Joy

Please join us in congratulating and Joy Pitts on this well-deserved honour by sending her a message thanking her. 

Please feel free to include details about how you met or how her service has affected you.