Firies put out volunteer call

VOLUNTEER fire brigades across the Loddon have put out the call in National Volunteer Week for new recruits.

They are part of the Country Fire Authority’s Give Us a Hand campaign to grow its state-wide base of 52,000 communityminded members in protecting lives and property.

“We have a good base membership that continues to serve and protect our community,” said Serpentine brigade captain Neville Cockerell. “But we want to bring on the next generation of members.”

There are similar aims for growing volunteer numbers at Boort where captain Kel Mayberry said one of the current challenges for his brigade was volunteer availability during the day.

“We have active members aged from 17 to their mid-60s ... some work out of town and we would like to recruit more members to assist with day-time callouts,” he said.

“Not everyone has to jump on a truck. There are other roles in the brigade that can support us and the community.”

Mr Mayberry said communications and support roles were equally important in firefighting.

Bridgewater captain Tim Ferguson faces similar challenges with daytime callouts.

“We always have a crew to send out on the truck but as more people move into the area, we are looking to recruit some to our brigade,” he said.

“My son Darcy is our youngest member at the moment. He goes to school in Bendigo where he is spreading the word about joining a CFA brigade ... they all live in Bendigo but if we can encourage young people to join a brigade no matter where they are, that’s great.”

Recruiting young members is also front of mind for Wedderburn brigade captain James Cook as he sets about boosting membership.

Mr Cook joined Wedderburn brigade seven years ago and was soon elected lieutenant before stepping up to the top position last year.

“I grew up seeing the brigade as an important part of the community and I joined for that very sense of community,” he said.

He is now talking with Wedderburn College about forming a junior brigade in the town and bringing in teenagers to learn not only firefighting skills but how to contribute to the community where they live.

Mr Cook said the sense of belonging and support was greatest when fighting fires.

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“The firefighting community is very good at looking after you and I think they have my back when out on a call,” Mr Cook said.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the CFA was a great place to volunteer, meet new people and learn new skills.

“Volunteers are the backbone of the firefighting and emergency response network across Victoria,” he said.

“We are calling on all community-minded individuals who are looking for a new challenge to consider joining their local brigade and apply their expertise and knowledge to CFA.

“Whether you want to jump on the truck and respond to incidents, or take up a brigade support position, we’ll find a role that suits you and your brigade.

“Brigades are most commonly looking for people from all backgrounds who have the capacity to take up roles as daytime responders and are particularly interested in hearing from young people who want to make a difference within their community.

“The rewards of being a CFA volunteer are immeasurable and our members make a real difference in their communities,” Chief Officer Heffernan said.

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