General News
27 May, 2024
Dedicated volunteers for CFA brigades
CFA is the state's largest volunteer organisation with 52,000 people volunteering their time to protect their communities.
Warracknabeal Fire Brigade Captain Cameron Whelan said he is definitely grateful for his volunteers.
"Our community wouldn't be supported without volunteers," he said. "They give up their own time and don't look for a reward.
"It's all about giving back - that's what we signed up for - and to respond to the community.
"You get out what you put in. There's a lot of things to do in the CFA and volunteers can be utilised in different ways."
Warracknabeal Secondary College student Isabella Orszulak has been a volunteer at the Warracknabeal Fire Brigade since she was just 13.
She started in the fire brigade's junior running team at the end of 2019.
"I used to be a swimmer and decided I wanted to do something different," she said.
Her father Peter Orszulak, who is also in the CFA, told her about the running team.
"I've always wanted to follow in Dad's footsteps," Isabella said.
At the age of 16, she became a senior member of the brigade.
"They had a meeting and I had to be voted in to be a senior member," she said.
Once being voted in, Isabella undertook a general firefighter course and has since completed many others as she continues to grow as a firefighter volunteer.
"If you're wanting to give back to the community, volunteering is the way to do that," she said.
"Don't let anyone make you think you're not good enough to do it.
"No matter your age, race or gender, you can do it."
The now 18-year-old is almost halfway through Year 12 and hopes to become a paramedic.
Isabella said she liked giving back and said the Good Friday Appeal was her favourite CFA event of the year.
"I just love it, you get to collect and raise money and the kids get so excited when they see the trucks," she said.
Horsham Fire Brigade Captain Marc Ampt said he extended a heartfelt thanks to CFA volunteers.
"We encourage everyone to join us in recognising and thanking our volunteers for their outstanding service," he said.
"Their selflessness and commitment inspire us all, and their tireless efforts make a profound difference in the lives of our residents."
CFA's "Give Us a Hand" recruitment campaign last year saw more than 1800 new members being recruited across the state.
Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook said it was extremely encouraging to see so many Victorians sign up to be a volunteer and be part of something bigger in their local community.
"Our organisation is unique in offering volunteers the opportunity to gain leadership skills,
training and experience while serving their communities," Mr Cook said.
Recruitment in regional and rural communities is ongoing, with more volunteers needed, particularly daytime responders and young members.
Visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteer to join CFA or to learn more about volunteering.