For this year’s National Volunteer Week, the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and its partner emergency service volunteer organisations acknowledge and thank the tens of thousands of Victorians for their unpaid contributions to their communities.
This year’s Volunteer Week theme, “Something for Everyone,” is particularly relevant to the CFA, the state’s largest volunteer organisation.
The CFA provides many opportunities for members to play a role that suits them, gain skills and qualifications, and reach their potential.
Not only is the organisation a core part of Victoria’s emergency service network, but members also gain social connections and build a greater sense of inclusion within their local town.
CFA thanks and celebrates its 52,000 volunteers for their ongoing dedication to protecting Victorian communities.
The 'Give Us a Hand’ recruitment campaign, launched last year, proved a huge success with more than 1800 highly skilled and professional new members recruited across Victoria.
CFA acting chief officer Garry Cook said it was extremely encouraging to see so many Victorians sign up to be a volunteer and be part of something bigger in their local community.
“The CFA recruited 1844 new members since the campaign launched in August last year and we continue to grow,” Garry said.
“Across Victoria brigades have recruited members and continue to, but there are some areas still in need.
“Our organisation is unique in offering volunteers the opportunity to gain leadership skills, training and experience while serving their communities.
“It’s also a great place to meet and work with people from all walks of life.”
The push for more volunteers to join the CFA is an investment in the future of Victoria’s emergency response, and recruitment is ongoing.
Regional and rural communities are still very much in need of more volunteers, particularly daytime responders and young members.
“We are looking to recruit from all of the community to ensure CFA brigades are truly reflective of the communities they serve and protect,” Garry said.
“Anyone interested in taking on a new challenge should get in touch with their local CFA brigade or go to the CFA website.
“There is something for everyone at the CFA, whether you want to train as a firefighter or take on a support role at the brigade.
“Our volunteers are some of Victoria’s greatest assets and we are grateful to each and every one of you who has put up your hand to join the CFA."
CFA volunteers respond to various incidents, including road crash rescues, structure fires, grass and scrub fires and hazmat incidents.
If you want to join the CFA or learn more about volunteering, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteer
Once you’ve submitted your expression of interest online, your local brigade will contact you regarding the next steps.