CFA Pride has been a successful applicant in grant funding from Emergency Management Victoria's Emergency Services Volunteer Sustainability (ESVS) grants program.
The $17,000 application for funding was made to enable CFA Pride Ambassadors to take to the road, travelling across the state to visit each CFA region to provide staff, brigade management teams and interested volunteers with information and training on LGBTI inclusion.
The funding also secures resources for participation in events such as Midsumma Festival’s Pride March and Daylesford’s Chillout Festival.
CFA Assistant Chief Officer for Inclusion and Fairness Steve Smith welcomed the announcement as fantastic news for CFA and its LGBTI members.
“It is great for CFA members to have the opportunity to learn from others’ experiences to ensure we fully embrace and welcome all members,” Mr Smith said.
“My hope is this is only the beginning and we continue working to ensure that CFA is truly inclusive.”
CFA Pride Ambassador Terence Sanford said that the funds were a very welcome contribution to the work being undertaken by the CFA Pride team.
“This funding has come at an exciting time for CFA Pride, as we continue our work and progressively grow into a support role for LGBTI members of CFA,” said Mr Sanford.
CFA Pride Ambassador Russell Wright said the funding would enable CFA Pride to bolster its role in promoting and supporting LGBTI volunteers in the CFA, through events and support programs.
“The funding gives us the ability to roll out aspects of our work, such as the district road show, which would otherwise have been a long term ambition,” he said.
“Our work will continue regardless of funding but the announcement of the EMV grant now provides us the opportunity to deliver more and sooner.
“The funding cements the commitment of CFA management to continue to work towards a more fair and inclusive organisation for everyone.
Victorian Commissioner for Gender and Sexual Equality Ro Allen said education and training are vital to shifting a culture.
“The initiative for a Rural and Regional Roadshow will be a wonderful opportunity for volunteers to connect and learn about LGBTI communities.”
“The Roadshow will also highlight the ways in which volunteers can support each other to create safer work environments.
“It is truly fantastic that the CFA is taking such an active role in making sure that people are welcome and accepted across the state of Victoria.”
CFA Pride’s CFA district road show will take place across the state in the coming months.
Author: CFA Media