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Rachel Cowling
Commander Rachel Cowling is a respected operational leader and reform advocate within Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), bringing a proud legacy as a fifth-generation firefighter with the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB). Her career reflects both deep operational expertise on the fireground and an enduring commitment to strengthening the culture, capability, and inclusivity of the fire services.
Highly regarded for her operational skill and leadership under pressure, Rachel has built a reputation as a capable and decisive firefighter who leads from the front. Alongside her frontline expertise, she is widely recognised as a passionate advocate for gender equity and the advancement of women within emergency services.
Rachel currently leads the Women’s Support Unit, which she established to improve the attraction, retention, and promotion of women across FRV. Through this work, she has driven meaningful organisational change, ensuring that policies, systems, and workplace practices better reflect the needs of a diverse workforce.
Her influence extends beyond program leadership into structural reform. As a former Board member of the United Firefighters Union (UFU), she played a key role during a significant period of fire services reform, contributing to the shaping of modern, more inclusive governance and workforce practices.
A practical reformer, Rachel has developed a comprehensive suite of gender-informed organisational policies that support firefighters throughout their careers. These initiatives include pioneering frameworks addressing pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause, areas historically underrepresented in emergency service policy. Helping to create safer, more supportive workplaces for women. Through her leadership, advocacy, and dedication to operational excellence, Commander Rachel Cowling continues to play a pivotal role in shaping a more inclusive, resilient, and forward-looking fire service.
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