A few years ago a story circulated about a brigade in the south-west whose members had to sit on milk crates during meetings because they couldn’t afford chairs.
A group of brigades rallied to donate chairs and a barbecue. This prompted the South East Region Volunteer Sustainability Team to set up the CFA Brigade Trader page on Facebook.
The team recognised the need for an online forum for brigades where they could swap, give away or sell items that were no longer needed. Launched three years ago, the Brigade Trader Facebook page has been used to trade hose drying racks, fridges, chairs, washing machines, turnout gear racks, filing cabinets, microwaves and whiteboards.
It’s a simple and effective way to connect with other brigades around the state and help others at the same time. There are currently more than 2,000 members and we’d like this to grow so that more brigades can show goodwill by offering items for trade or donation to under-resourced brigades.
If you think your brigade has items that could be of use to other brigades go to CFA Brigade Trader and request to join. When the administrator has approved your membership you can read the guidelines and start trading.