CFA volunteer information session a success

LOCAL CFA brigades have been very stretched this summer due a number of fires burning in the area. In an effort to recruit new volunteers, the Mansfield Group of Fire Brigades held a Volunteer Information Session on Thursday 25 March at the Mansfield Fire Station. Over 20 people attended the session including interested community members, brigade captains, District 23 staff, training and community education personnel and brigade support volunteers. After a short presentation by Community Safety Coordinator Matthew Anderson, those attending were given the opportunity to ask questions, tour the station and view the equipment as well as chat to the volunteers about their experiences. It has highlighted that CFA is diverse organisation and volunteers undertake a range of tasks such as fighting fires, road rescues, emergency medical response, fundraising, marketing and community education and engagement. Some volunteers may end up fighting fires inter-state or even overseas while some never get onto a truck. There was a strong message of personal reward from volunteering with CFA as well as feeling part of a large, dedicated team. “It’s definitely a case of the more you put in, the more you get out of volunteering with the CFA,” said Mansfield Captain, Andrew Peachey. “You make lifelong friends while constantly learning new skills through the huge range of training offered." Anyone wanting to know more about volunteering with the CFA should contact their local CFA brigade or visit the CFA website.