CFA volunteer honoured after 10 years of service at just 21

SERVICE has been part of Beccy Smith’s life for as long as she can remember, and at 21, she’s already given a decade to it.

Smith joined the Mannerim Fire Brigade at the age of 11 and has spent the last three years as a qualified firefighter.

That commitment has now been recognised, with Smith named one of five Bunnings Community Legends, an annual program celebrating everyday Australians who strengthen pride, inclusion, resilience and wellbeing in their communities.

Whether on the fireground or in the community, Smith is driven by a simple goal: to make a meaningful difference.

Beccy Smith was part of the response to this summer’s Otways fires. Photo: Supplied.

Over the past three years, she has balanced training, leadership development and frontline response with supporting community safety initiatives, while also supporting community safety initiatives and mentoring younger volunteers.

She was part of the response to this summer’s Otway fires, an experience that reinforced her belief in the power of community.

“I went to the Otways on that long weekend in January and obviously the fires had been burning for a while,” Smith said.

“It was amazing to see so many people coming together to support the one cause. The sweet people letting you pass in the firetrucks, those cooking meals, volunteering to help with toilets, security, road works and so much more. Then the emergency services are on top of that.

Beccy Smith has spent a decade with the Mannerim CFA, growing from junior member to qualified firefighter. Photo: Supplied.

“It’s obviously a devastating event, but it’s always really nice to see everyone come together in a great time of need.”

Through her work, Smith is helping to shape the next generation of volunteers while continuing to build her own skills.

“The brigade has been with me through everything from doing university to graduating high school during the pandemic and more,” she said.

“Now I help run the junior program that I was once a part of to foster that next generation of firefighters. I love helping people when I can.

“We teach them how to use radios, do map readings and take them for a drive in the truck.

“I just love that constant need within the force to do more for the community. The people you meet are super lovely and it’s just incredible to be part of a real team.”