Women in Rescue Program builds resilience and leadership

Two members of Alcoa Australia’s Emergency Services team were among a select group of 30 women from around Western Australia who participated in an inaugural Women in Rescue Pilot Program designed to build operational and psychological resilience.

Emergency services officers Gabby Leithhead from Alcoa’s Pinjarra Alumina Refinery and Sarah Parnell from the Huntly Bauxite Mine were among those selected to participate in the week-long immersive program supporting women in emergency response roles across the resources sector.

The program was coordinated by the Emergency Management Community of Practice (CoP), a not-for-profit association involving multiple resource-sector organisations including Alcoa.

Designed to tackle both the physical and psychological demands of emergency services in the resources sector, the program combined technical training and workshops on leadership, confidence building and personal resilience.

Participants took part in complex, multi-agency emergency scenarios designed to test decision-making, communication and command presence under realistic conditions.

Gabby said it was an incredibly valuable experience covering a broad range of topics.

“We were pushed well outside our comfort zones during practical scenarios including road crash rescue, vertical rescue, and use of breathing apparatus, which challenged us in the best ways possible,” she said.

“We also heard from some fantastic speakers about nutrition, resilience, and the power of the mind, which was a great reminder of the importance of preparing both physically and emotionally for high-pressure situations.”

Among her  key takeaways, Gabby pointed to the importance of small technique adjustments that could make a significant difference in rescue work and added that the value of leadership at every level was reinforced. 

“One of the biggest reflections I’m taking back to the workplace is how important it is to create supportive environments where people feel valued, capable, and empowered to grow and succeed,” she said.

Alcoa Emergency Services Principal Jake Webb said the Women in Rescue program aligns with Alcoa’s commitment to safety, and the importance of the CoP cannot be understated.

“The CoP provides a collaborative approach to emergency management in the WA resources sector, allowing cross-organisational knowledge sharing and capability building,” Jake said. 

“When it comes to emergency response, it is in everybody’s interests to have access to the best training and resources available. Gabby and Sarah’s participation has equipped them with a broad range of new skills, the confidence to step up and take control in challenging situations, and the ability to drive positive change. That ultimately benefits our workforce and the broader community.”