Four of CFA’s best young leaders were present at Government House this afternoon (18 October) for the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The event was a Youth Leadership and Mentoring Forum, designed to present a collection of agencies to showcase youth leadership and mentoring across Victoria.
CFA’s contingent included Hoppers Crossing Station Officer Alex Batty, Point Cook Firefighter Michael Rodwell, Geelong City firefighter Jonathon Horne and South Warrandyte firefighter Sam Spataro.
There were also representatives from other volunteer, state and commonwealth agencies, including MFB, Surf Life Saving, Victoria Police and Australian Defence Force. Premier Daniel Andrews also attended.
After a speech from the Governor of Victoria, CFA’s representatives were on hand as the royal couple mingled with guests, discussing leadership and mentoring challenges.
Alex said the event was a major thrill.
“The whole event was fantastic,” he said.
“It was a great honour to meet the Duke and Duchess while representing CFA.
“We had a chat with Harry about the upcoming fire season, and how it was looking.
“He was aware that Melbourne had been having quite a few factory fires, so he was asking about that, and also about where MFB and CFA cover in terms of metro and regional areas.
“He knew a lot; it was very impressive.”