.png "Laurie has fought fires in France, New Caledonia and Australia")
Laurie has fought fires in France, New Caledonia and Australia
South Morang Fire Brigade volunteer Laurie Naveaux knew she wanted to be a firefighter from a young age.
Originally hailing from Oyonnax, France, Laurie joined CFA three years ago – marking the third fire service she has been a member of around the globe.
“I first joined as a junior cadet when I was 12 years old in France. I became a part-time firefighter when I was 16, and still at school. I just fell in love with it,” Laurie said.
“When I turned 18, my parents told me ‘you have to go to university!’, and I thought, ‘but I just want to be a firefighter!’. I continued as a part-time firefighter in France, while also doing my degree.”
In 2014, Laurie moved to New Caledonia with her partner. She continued her role as a part-time firefighter, joining the New Caledonia Fire Service.
When her full-time work brought them to Australia, Laurie’s only condition for the move was that she was wanted to continue in some capacity as a firefighter.
“The only thing I said to them [her work] was ‘I need to continue my journey as a firefighter’, and that’s how I ended up becoming a CFA volunteer.”
Joining South Morang Fire Brigade helped Laurie settle into her new home.
“It definitely helped me make new connections in the community when I first moved to Australia. When you spend time with people with the same mindset and the same values as you, you grow those relationships with people and make those connections.”
Laurie said volunteering with CFA combines her love of firefighting with helping others.
“At the end of the day, I wasn’t doing it because of the pay. It’s in my blood, it’s in my DNA – I just love helping the community, being there for a fire call, or any type of call,” Laurie said.
"I have the firefighting side of what I loved in the past, and helping the community, being there for them and trying to handle any situation for them.”
Today, 5 December, CFA celebrates International Volunteer Day, an annual celebration of the contributions volunteers make to society globally. This year’s theme ‘every contribution matters’ celebrates the thousands of CFA volunteers across Victoria, including Laurie, who contribute daily, in many different ways, to making Victoria a safer place.
We recognise the dedication and spirit of our members to protecting their communities, and celebrate and thank them for their commitment – today and every day.