CFA is celebrating it’s 54,000 volunteers as part of National Volunteer Week which starts on Monday 16 May.
CFA is one of the world’s largest volunteer emergency services with more than 1,200 brigades across Victoria.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering which gives us the chance to recognise the vital work of our volunteers.
“Our members selflessly provide assistance to community members across the state, taking time away from their families, friends and workplaces, to help others,” he said.
“As a former volunteer firefighter myself, I know that volunteering can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
“Our volunteers come from all walks off life; they are tradies, lawyers, nurses, chefs and farmers – just to name a few.
“The diversity of skills and expertise our volunteers bring to their CFA roles further boosts their brigades and the organisation, for which we are very grateful.”
This year’s National Volunteer Week theme is “Better Together” which holds true to CFA.
Over the past three years, Australians have experienced major fires, floods and a pandemic.
CFA members have been called on to assist local, Victorian and interstate colleagues to support them in extremely challenging and trying conditions.
“Day after day, we see and hear firsthand the difference our members make, and the impact volunteering has on their communities – which is what this week is all about,” CO Heffernan said.
“CFA is about so much more than just firefighting – with volunteer roles such as community educators, health and safety specialists, or financial supporters, CFA constantly demonstrates that we are “better together”.”
CFA Chief Executive Officer Natalie MacDonald said this week and every week we thank our dedicated volunteers for the incredible contributions towards keeping Victorians safe.
“I am continuously impressed by the ongoing hard-work and professionalism of our volunteers,” CEO MacDonald said.
“They sacrifice their personal time to protect and serve Victorians and they are leaders and educators in their communities.”
CFA and the Victorian Government are investing heavily in infrastructure, training and equipment to support our volunteers and provide them with the best possible equipment and skills and improve their overall volunteer experience with CFA.
As part of a $126 million funding package announced in June 2020, CFA has started construction on some of the 16 new fire stations, and 50 new tankers will be rolled out across the state in the coming months.
The 2022/23 State Budget also announced funding to build female-friendly changing facilities at three training campuses, and upgrades at 40 CFA stations.
CFA has also begun rolling out its new workwear to volunteers across the state which is expected to be completed later this year.
CFA volunteers across the state will be featured here on News and Media and on our social channels throughout the week.
Find out more about volunteering with CFA at https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteer-careers/volunteers