Weekend ignites new skills

Taking place between Sale VEMTC and Lakewood Lodge, Paynesville, the camp combined hands-on firefighting experience at VEMTC with team building and fun activities back at camp. 

VEMTC Sale was an excellent base for the practical CFA activities - including search and rescue, car fire, fire extinguisher training and a combined attack on the gas pads as well as a chance to control an incident through XVR simulations.  

Day two was a joint effort from Paynesville Brigade who brought their Rehab Unit and Tanker, the Aviation VR Simulation trailer team, the CFA VR team, as well as some team building activities at camp. 

Deputy Chief Officer Peter O’Keefe attended the Friday night and Saturday morning. He said it was a great chance for our young members to come together and enhance their skills.

“This is such an amazing opportunity for our young members to build their skills, develop their journey with CFA and experience training in a great facility. Our Cadets are our future leaders so investing in them now will bring great benefit to our organisation," Peter said. 

The camp would not have been possible without the team at Sale VEMTC, the incredible Aviation VR trailer and team, the CFA VR crew and the wonderful Paynesville Brigade for bringing their appliances. We’d also like to thank DCO O’Keefe and John Hussey for visiting the weekend. 

The Cadet Pilot Project concludes this month, with a report being prepared with recommendations on future engagements with our youngest operational members. Further weekend training camps for this age group are being planned. 

To express interest in any future camps, please email cadets@cfa.vic.gov.au.