Anthony Armistead and Phil Graham were deployed to Darwin
Four CFA volunteers have returned from the Northern Territory after delivering vital firefighting training to their peers on behalf of Bushfires NT.
This is the second year that CFA has supported Bushfires NT in the delivery of foundational firefighting courses to local volunteers, with two CFA volunteer instructors deploying to Alice Springs and a further two to Darwin.
With the Top End potentially heading into another bad fire season, CFA DCO Operational Doctrine and Training Rohan Luke said the delivery of wildfire firefighting training is vital to boosting local capability.
“It’s great to once again be providing support to Bushfires NT in the delivery of their foundational firefighting courses under our National Resource Sharing arrangements,” Rohan said.
“Being invited to deliver these courses is important recognition of the high quality of CFA training and the skills and experience of our volunteer instructor cohort.
“Deploying to deliver training is also a great learning experience for our members, building their interagency experience, leadership skills and confidence.”
CFA volunteers Andrew Stinchcombe and April Padbury were deployed to Alice Springs, while Anthony Armistead and Phil Graham were deployed to Darwin.
Phil, a volunteer with Heyfield Fire Brigade in Victoria’s south-east, said the deployment was an amazing experience.
“Anthony and I delivered two training courses to 29 park service rangers and local firefighters from Bushfires NT (BFNT) during our deployment including Suppress Wildfire and their foundational training for new volunteers,” Phil said.
“It was great to have the opportunity to meet and work closely with our NT counterparts and support them in their development as well as learn more about their experiences.
“We were able to tailor the training to their needs and adjust scenarios to make them relevant and appropriate to the topography and conditions in the region.
“We achieved what was wanted and more. Thank you to Bushfire NT Acacia Hills for their hospitality and support. We are grateful for the opportunity to represent CFA and our training team in the Northern Territory.”