For Maldon Brigade junior member Emma Webb, being involved in CFA is a part of her family history.
Emma joined CFA as a junior member in 2015, following in the footsteps of her parents, her grandparents and her three brothers who are also CFA members.
“The fire brigade has always been a very welcoming place,” she said.
“Even when I was too young to be involved, I loved going along to the station with my family and getting to experience the environment.”
Earlier this year, Emma was awarded the Maldon & District Junior Citizen of the year.
The award recognises individuals for outstanding service to the local community.
“It was really cool to see the effort I’ve put in be publicly recognised.”
Maldon Fire Brigade Captain Sean McCubbin praised Emma very highly as a well-respected brigade member who is influential in her junior brigade.
"Emma is a wonderful ambassador for the brigade and particularly for our juniors, they really look up to her," Mr McCubbin said.
"I've never seen a kid that smiles as much as she does, she's always positive and is a true credit to CFA."
Emma has been a member of the CFA junior running team since she was 11 years old and last year became the youngest ever running coach for the juniors.
“It gives us a great opportunity to be a part of a team environment,” Emma said.
“My role as coach is to help develop their running skills and to prepare them for competitions. We also do team building activities.”
The Castlemaine Secondary College student juggles her year 12 studies with undertaking extracurricular activities, last year completing certificate 3 in childcare and certificate 2 in hospitality.
She has also been a netballer for the Maldon Football and Netball Club for the past four years.
Emma said the adrenaline rush and getting to be a part of an organisation that helps the community is what she enjoys the most about being a CFA junior.
Emma believes National Youth Week is a great opportunity for the community to recognise the achievements of others.
“Recognising the achievements of youth can help encourage others to strive to do their best,” Emma said.
National Youth Week
Author: CFA News