Anglesea joins push for local firefighters

Anglesea CFA captain Noel Foster (front) says the brigade is in search of new volunteer operational firefighters and welcomes anyone eager to give back to the Anglesea community to join. With him is brigade secretary Ellen Harper (left), firefighter Paul May (back), and firefighter Dani Hulyer (right). Photos: VINNIE VAN OORSCHOT

ANGLESEA CFA is in search of new and eager firefighter volunteers to jump aboard the brigade ahead of a predicted busy and hot summer period.

Brigade captain and Anglesea resident Noel Foster says now is an important time for community members to consider joining their local brigade, as operational firefighter numbers are down across the Surf Coast.

“We have around 15 operational volunteers within our brigade, but we are on the lookout for as many potential firefighters as possible,” Mr Foster said.

“We have a diverse range of people at our brigade, a real cross-section of the Anglesea community.

“Years ago, the CFA was very male dominated, but we have several female firefighters part of our team now and we welcome anyone to consider joining.”

Captain Foster has over 20 years of experience in the Country Fire Authority.

Mr Foster said his volunteers all have one thing in common, a drive to give back to the community.

“Joining the CFA also comes with learning a new skillset, gaining knowledge in several areas such as bush skills, rescues, vehicle accident procedures, house fires, and children locked in cars,” Mr Foster said.

“These are all things that tourism brings with it, but it’s also important to remember joining the CFA isn’t a seasonal commitment, it’s year-round.”

Mr Foster, a plumber by trade, has been in the CFA for over 20 years and captain for the past six years.

He joined the CFA to provide a service to the area he lives in.

“Giving back was my core reason for joining,” Mr Foster said.

“One of my very first jobs in the CFA was responding to a car crash, and I knew the lady in the car, it was one of the worst days of her life.

“But we were there to help her through it, so you realise when someone’s having a worse day than you, you’re there to help them out – volunteering at the CFA is very rewarding in that sense.”

Anglesea CFA is on the lookout for volunteers.

Becoming a fully qualified operational firefighter can take up to six months to complete.

Once a potential volunteer expresses interest in joining the CFA, the application is reviewed, and the applicant will attend an information night.

After relevant background checks are passed, successful members will complete a six-month probation period before becoming fully operational.

To find out more about volunteering with the CFA, head to cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteers-careers/volunteer-with-cfa or drop in to one of Anglesea CFA’s training nights on a Tuesday evening at 7.30pm.