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Corio Fire Brigade is looking to fill key roles in the brigade

Joining Corio Fire Brigade doesn’t mean needing to jump on the back of a fire truck, and right now the team is looking for a secretary and treasurer to join their ranks. Could you fill that role?

While the firefighters might attend everything from grass and scrub fires to car fires and house fires, the support team, or non-operational members, are an equally integral part of the brigade who help things tick over back at the station.

Corio Fire Brigade 2^nd Lieutenant Brad Coulter said the brigade relies on the unique skills of each member.

“Everyone brings new concepts, ideas and vitality to the brigade. We’ve had a couple of recent recruit intakes for operational members, but we really need those support roles who might want to help out the brigade but in a non-firefighting capacity,” Brad said.

“Support roles are crucial to the daily operations of the brigade. Having people who are able to support with fundraising, administrative requirements, training support, financial responsibilities and ensuring we’re receiving the information we need to get on the truck and respond to calls as efficiently as we can.”

So, what does a secretary or treasurer actually do in a fire brigade?

Adam Stewart wears both hats at nearby Highton Fire Brigade.

“As treasurer of Highton Fire Brigade, my job is to manage the finances of the brigade, not only for the immediate but looking toward to the future as well. As secretary, I engage with all brigade members, undertake a range of administrative tasks and make sure everyone has up-to-date information,” Adam said.

“Both of these roles have taught me so much. I’ve learnt a lot about how CFA works, but I’ve also learnt important time management, forward planning and organisational skills that I’ve been able to apply to my day job as a synthetic chemist.”

Adam says the most gratifying part of volunteering is giving back to the community, no matter what that looks like.

“Sometimes people have a perception that the only way they can make a difference in CFA is by going to fires, but that’s not true at all. There are so many meaningful things you can do within a brigade in a non-operational/supporting capacity that help keep the brigade running,” Adam said.

“Firefighting and support roles are both vital aspects of serving the community. Being able to get into the community and engage and interact with the people you serve and protect is really special.”

As for Corio Fire Brigade itself, Brad said they’re about much more than just protecting lives and properties.

“We’re there to fight fires, and of course that’s our main priority, but we’re so much more than that. We’re friends, we’re a social brigade, and we’re welcoming – so if you think you’re able to help us out in the roles of secretary or treasurer, please get in touch with us for more information.”

If you live in the Corio area, get in touch with Corio Fire Brigade via email at corio.sec@cfa.vic.gov.au, or find out more about volunteering with your local CFA brigade at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteer.