This National Volunteer Week ‘Give us a Hand’

This National Volunteer Week CFA is calling on all Victorians to Give us a Hand and consider joining their local CFA brigade.

Our message is simple and clear – At CFA you can be part of something special.

CFA is present in towns and cities right across Victoria and our volunteers are the backbone of Victoria’s emergency response network.

Our volunteers support their communities, day and night, responding to a range of emergencies including fire, flood and other natural disasters.

With more than 52,000 volunteers delivering prevention, preparedness, response and recovery activities across the state every single day.

As a critical volunteer workforce within Victoria, we are looking for people who are committed to serving their communities, in whatever way they can.

We will find a role that suits you, whether you want to take on a role as an operational firefighter or in an important support or community education position.

As an organisation, we thank all CFA volunteers who give up their personal time to protect the lives and properties of millions of Victorians right across the state.

Coming from a wide range of backgrounds, our volunteers have diverse skills and backgrounds.

From nurses, farmers, teachers, bookkeepers, postal workers, lawyers and local business owners or those with trades qualifications, our members are part of your community.

You will know many of our members as your neighbours, friends or colleagues.

As an organisation, CFA is seeking more people like them, and like you.

Whether you have little spare time, are new to your area, or just want to be part of a group made up of like-minded people, our brigades have flexible volunteering arrangements and roles for you to explore.

Brigades are 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 local area.

For firefighters, most training and meetings are conducted on weeknights or weekends, and the time you volunteer is flexible and based on your personal availability, together with brigade and community needs.

Not all volunteer roles are on the front line with a range of roles available that involve building local relationships, engagement and education activities, fundraising, events, brigade publicity, administration, logistical and financial support, health and safety, training, junior program leaders, and more.

The camaraderie formed between brigades as you fulfill a vital role in your region is just one of many benefits you gain from being a volunteer.

Our members often reflect on the inclusive and welcoming environment of their brigade, and how joining has given them purpose and meaning.

Many are now lifelong friends and embrace the opportunity to bounce ideas off others who think differently to you.

At CFA, firefighting is more than just holding a hose. You could be a front-line firefighter one day or promoting community safety or loading aircraft bombers on another.

We are passionate about investing in our juniors, and with over 1000 of our young stars across Victoria, we look forward to welcoming and nurturing our future firefighters who join at the age of 16 and watching them grow into their senior ranks.

Being a CFA volunteer is rewarding, a great way to connect with people and learn from new experiences – our members make a real difference in their communities.

We’re excited for you to become part of it.

To ‘Give Us a Hand’, express your interest on our website. Once you’ve submitted your expression of interest form online, your local brigade will contact you regarding the next steps.

-OPINION PIECE

BY GARRY COOK

CFA ACTING CHIEF OFFICER