CFA volunteers filming the 'Give Us a Hand' recruitment campaign video at the Central Highlands VEMTC facility.
This National Volunteer Week, CFA is asking regional Victorians to ‘Give Us a Hand’ as part of a recruitment campaign to encourage people to join our highly skilled and professional members across the state.
There are so many options to become a CFA volunteer, and we’re hoping inspired Victorians consider taking up a firefighting or support role with their local brigade.
Whether you’re looking to make the most of your spare time, are new to your community, or just want to be part of a group made up of community-minded people, CFA has flexible volunteering arrangements and roles to suit anyone’s skills and needs.
To launch the campaign and celebrate the week, we visited CFA’s Victorian Emergency Management Training Centre (VEMTC) Central Highlands facility on Monday to thank the local volunteers who will be the face of CFA’s recruitment video, set to go live in June.
Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook said while there are more than 52,000 volunteers and over 1,200 brigades located across Victoria, our regional communities are still very much in need of more volunteers, particularly daytime responders and young members.
“We are calling on anyone interested in taking on a new challenge, learning new skills, meeting new people or giving back to their community, to get in touch with their local CFA brigade or go to the CFA website,” A/CO Cook said.
“Volunteers are the backbone of Victoria’s firefighting and emergency response network.
“Whether you want to take on a dynamic role and respond to incidents as a CFA firefighter or jump on board in a support position within the brigade, there’s a place for you.”
For a behind-the-scenes look at the new recruitment ad and to hear more about recruitment at CFA check out the recruitment segment of the recent Volunteer Forum.
Brigades welcome people from all backgrounds who have the capacity to respond during the day and are particularly interested in hearing from young people who want to make a difference within their community.
“From road crash rescues, structure, grass and scrub fires to hazmat incidents, no two days are the same at CFA,” he said.
“We offer a range of opportunities for training and leadership development, and you’d be surprised by just how much your existing expertise from your day-to-day employment can assist and enhance your CFA skillset.
“The camaraderie, sense of purpose and lifelong friends are just some of the many benefits you can gain from being a volunteer.
“We’re proud of the work that we do in the community, and we look forward to welcoming you through the doors to begin your own unique experience.”
If you’re interested in joining CFA or learning more about volunteering, visit here.
Once you’ve submitted your expression of interest form online, your local brigade will contact you regarding the next steps.