Brigades seek new members as summer months near

THE Barwon Heads Fire Brigade are encouraging eager residents across the Bellarine to join up at a local CFA unit just in time for the summer season.

Brigade captain John Crozier said joining up at any of the eight stations across the region does take time, but now was the time do so.

“Now is a great time to join,” Mr Crozier said.

“As summer approaches, people begin to get busier and things get delayed, and completing the general firefighter course is a bit of a process and can take around six months.

“We’re always looking for new volunteers and everyone we have here at our brigade is fantastic, we’re all friends, and safety always comes first.”

The Bellarine’s CFA network comprises eight brigades: Barwon Heads (which turns 86 in July), Ocean Grove, Wallington, St Leonards, Mannerim, Leopold, Queenscliff, and Drysdale.

Barwon Heads has 25 volunteer members, both operational and non-operational members.

A non-operational member is defined as someone who doesn’t turn out to fire rescue and fire containment calls.

“That’s the beauty of the CFA; you can do as much or as little as you like,” second lieutenant Libby Burnett said.

“New members aren’t thrown in the deep end and there is a really strong supportive group here.

“We’re a fantastic brigade with a great culture and we provide great support when we mentor new volunteers on our trucks.”

Mr Crozier, who is approaching his 50th year with the CFA, said the biggest asset to the CFA is its people.

“I have met wonderful people through the CFA, and they’ve been my friends forever. This is my seventh brigade, I’m just one of those tragics, I suppose,” Mr Crozier said.

“It doesn’t matter how much you do; your pay packet doesn’t change.

“In addition to contributing to your town, it really is like gaining a whole other family.”

Volunteers at Barwon Heads Fire Brigade train most Tuesday nights and conduct community activities each Sunday.

New qualified operational members can expect to conduct a wide variety of tasks ranging from local house fires, road accidents and gas leaks to fallen trees, false alarms and bushfires.

Ms Burnett emphasised not being daunted by the idea of walking into a local station to express interest, especially at Barwon Heads.

“Just come down and have a chat with us, we’re down here every Sunday and it’s the perfect way to connect with great people,” Ms Burnett said.

For more information on what you can do to stay fire-safe this winter or to find out more about volunteering, head to cfa.vic.gov.au.