Lorne CFA volunteers inspire others

THREE young Lorne volunteers with a passion for helping others have brought their diverse skills to the CFA while influencing others to do the same.

The trio joined the CFA in 2021 and already had strong community ties through their experience with Life Saving Victoria.

For Harvey Marriner, who moved to Lorne less than two years ago, volunteering has given him a way to give back to the community.

“I was nervous heading into a brigade that involved many generations. However, when I met Captain Lee Hollmer and 2nd Lieutenant Dee Stewart, they made me feel like I belonged from the beginning,” he said.

“On the coast we have such a range of different cases, from cockatoos stuck in trees to serious motor vehicle accidents and large house fires. I enjoy the challenge that each incident offers.”

The 21-year-old is a nursing and paramedic student working in Lorne as a regional nurse, where the hospital allows him to respond to incidents throughout the day.

“Being able to work as part of this small team on the fireground has been really enjoyable, and the personal training that I’ve been able to receive in the brigade has been so beneficial.”

 

Lucas Karlson fell in love with emergency services after he started lifesaving and now works for Triple Zero Victoria.

He said the skills he has gain from volunteering with the CFA have given him a better understanding of how emergency services work together.

“Heading out to fires in communities that you’ve never been to is very rewarding. The people there welcome you in and are very appreciative of your help,” he said.

Mr Karson encourages people to get in touch with their local brigade and to head down to their local station.

Registered paramedic Alisa Johnson is also a volunteer with the local brigade and since joining has noticed their friends at the surf club gain a better appreciation for the CFA.

“For me, I wanted a bit of a different lens and perspective on other emergency services and how multi-agency operations run,” they said.

“I was really drawn in while I was studying, as we so frequently work alongside CFA in paramedicine.”

Lorne Life Saving Victoria president Heath Armstrong joined the brigade after the three volunteers influenced his decision, with the hope more will follow.

For more information on volunteering with the CFA, head to cfa.vic.gov.au