HEATHCOTE CFA offers equal opportunities for men and women in the brigade, with both operational and non-operational roles available.<\/p>\n
Across the state, more than 4300 women are currently serving in operational CFA roles and more than 7400 in non-operational roles.<\/p>\n
Christie Ashen joined the brigade three years ago as a way of giving back to the community.<\/p>\n
“I have always been very community orientated,” she said.<\/p>\n
“After I moved to Heathcote, I was looking for something where I could be involved helping others and the brigade was a perfect fit.<\/p>\n
“The team has become like a second family.<\/p>\n
“As well as the serious business of fighting fires, we have a lot of fun. It is a light-hearted group, always there for each other.<\/p>\n
“I have complete trust in my fellow brigade members. I would trust them with my life.”<\/p>\n
Laraine Leask has been an active member of the CFA since 1989.<\/p>\n
She has served in a number of different roles in the Heathcote Brigade and the broader Eppalock Group.<\/p>\n
Ms Leask became Heathcote Fire Brigade secretary in 2009 and has continued in that role.<\/p>\n
“I’m an operational member,” she said.<\/p>\n
“While I’m not actively fighting fires, I keep my training up to date because I am often responsible for taking food out to feed the crews.”<\/p>\n
Ms Leask is known for her culinary skills, providing catering for group training events and helping in the monthly market food van.<\/p>\n
She has received numerous awards during her 36 years of service.<\/p>\n
Newest recruit Tonia Truda recently passed her general training.<\/p>\n
“Tonia is a very valuable member of the team,” community safety officer Evan Pritchard said.<\/p>\n
“New volunteers are always welcome, particularly those who can be daytime responders.<\/p>\n
“There are roles for everyone, from operational duties and local command positions to food and communications.<\/p>\n
“If anyone is interested, we are at the station every Sunday morning and on the second Monday night of each month. Or they can call me on 0417 178 658.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
HEATHCOTE CFA offers equal opportunities for men and women in the brigade, with both operational and non-operational roles available. Across the state, more than 4300 women are currently serving in operational CFA roles and more than 7400 in non-operational roles. Christie Ashen joined the brigade three years ago as a way of giving back to […]<\/p>\n