Corio Fire Brigade seeks secretary, treasurer

CORIO Fire Brigade is looking for a secretary and treasurer to join its ranks.

While the firefighters might attend everything from grass and scrub fires to car and house fires, the support team, or non-operational members, at Corio are an equally integral part of the brigade who keep things ticking over at the station.

Corio Fire Brigade 2nd Lieutenant Brad Coulter said the brigade relied on the unique skills of each member.

“Everyone brings new concepts, ideas and vitality to the brigade. We’ve had a couple of recent recruit intakes for operational members, but we really need those support roles, who might want to help out the brigade but in a non-firefighting capacity.

“Support roles are crucial to the daily operations of the brigade.

“Having people that are able to support with fundraising, administrative requirements, training support, financial responsibilities and ensuring we’re receiving the information we need to get on the truck and respond to calls as efficiently as we can.”

Highton Fire Brigade’s Adam Stewart is both the secretary and treasurer at his brigade.

“As treasurer of Highton Fire Brigade, my job is to manage the finances of the brigade, not only for the immediate, but looking toward the future as well,” Mr Stewart said.

“As secretary, I engage with all brigade members, undertake a range of administrative tasks and make sure everyone has up-to-date information.

“Both of these roles have taught me so much. I’ve learnt a lot about how CFA works, but I’ve also learnt important time management, forward planning and organisational skills that I’ve been able to apply to my day job as a synthetic chemist.”

He said the most gratifying part of volunteering was giving back to the community, no matter what that looked like.

“Sometimes people have a perception that the only way they can make a difference in CFA is by going to fires, but that’s not true at all.

“There are so many meaningful things you can do within a brigade in a non-operational/supporting capacity that help keep the brigade running.

“While firefighting and support roles are both vital aspects of serving the community, being able to get into the community and engage and interact with those people that you serve and protect is really special.”

As for Corio Fire Brigade, 2nd Lieutenant Coulter said his brigade did not just protect lives and properties.

“We’re there to fight fires, and of course that’s our main priority, but we’re so much more than that.

“We’re friends, we’re a social brigade, and we’re welcoming – so if you think you’re able to help us out in the role of secretary or treasurer, please get in touch with us for more information.”

If you live in the Corio area, get in touch with Corio Fire Brigade via email at [email protected], or find out more about volunteering with your local CFA brigade by heading to cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteer