NEWS DESK
New recruits on way to fight fires EIGHT Patterson River Fire Station recruits are among 30 graduates to become career firefighters with the Country Fire Authority. They started at the station in December and took part this month in a training program at the CFA’s Bangholme depot. Two of the recruits are Adam Lutz, 40, of Keysborough, and Samantha Grant, 46, of Langwarrin. Mr Lutz was a sheet metal worker and foreman before joining the CFA. He is a keen surfer, and loves bike riding, restoring cars and spending time with his family. “I’m looking forward to change, challenge and playing a strong role in the community,” he said. Ms Grant was formerly a secondary school teacher. She’s learning to surf, and keen to get back to being a Guide Dog puppy raiser. “I want to give back to the community in a different way to spread my wings and challenge myself with a change of career,” she said. The recruits – including a record 10 women – graduated in front of family and friends at the Victorian Emergency Management Training Centre, Craigieburn. With eight women graduating from a course on 30 November, the CFA has taken on 18 women in the past two courses – the most to graduate as CFA firefighters in the one year. They will each take up placements at one of 19 fire stations around the state, working side by side with volunteers at some of CFA’s 35 integrated brigades in outer Melbourne and regional centres. CFA recruit course coordinator Christian Thorley said the celebration “marked the end of a lot of hard work and the beginning of a challenging and diverse career for these new firefighters”. “These recruits have demonstrated impeccable diligence and commitment to becoming
Adam Lutz
firefighters throughout their training, and it was wonderful to celebrate this special day with them all,” Mr Thorley said. “The atmosphere was electric – it shows what a great group of people these new firefighters are and signals the wonderful contributions they will make in their new communities.”
Samantha Grant
The recruits will contribute towards the state government’s commitment to add 350 new firefighters to the CFA’s ranks. The recruits come from a range of backgrounds including defence, trades, technicians, health, emergency services, education and management.
Teaming up for a surf contest MEMBERS of Maladiction Longboarders are organising a surfing contest to raise money for the Disabled Surfers Association Mornington Peninsula branch. The teams’ event will be on Saturday 1 April – April Fools’ Day - at The Pines beach (pictured above) Shoreham. Entry is $200 for each four-person team and surfers will ride the “soft” surfboards used at the annual events run by the DSAMP. As well as surfing ability, points will be awarded for surfers’ costumes. Prizes for the DSA Champs Surf Competition include $2000 in Jetstar travel vouchers; a Trigger Brothers surf pack; and dinner for four at Stillwater, Crittenden Estate from Peninsula Speech Pathology Services. Details and team registration at firstreef. weebly.com Keith Platt
2 Course Lunch & wine
only $47
includes ferry travel
sail to queenscliff & dine at roro cafe on the beach Return Ferry trip included. Book online.
FULL DETAILS VISIT SEAROAD.COM.AU/RORO-SPECIAL-OFFERS/ OR CALL 5257 4500
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Frankston Times
30 January 2017
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