New and emerging leaders in the Baw Baw Group of brigades recently had an intensive weekend of professional and personal development.
The Leadership Camp on 25-26 August was a significant investment in existing captains and up-and-coming brigade leaders.
"We know our people, our dedicated volunteers are our biggest strength," District 9 Acting Operations Manager Ricky Read said.
"Part of the Leadership Camp was providing these new and emerging leaders with skills and confidence that will benefit them in their volunteer capacity, in their careers and at home."
The camp was facilitated by former Richmond footballer, and now independent leadership consultant Neville Brady.
The Leadership Camp-style retreat was first piloted in District 27 by the Volunteer Sustainability Team.
"We’d heard such great feedback of the pilot and Neville Brady that we knew if the opportunity came up, we’d jump on board," AOM Read said.
"It fit perfectly with a number of leadership development events we’ve been running with the Baw Baw Group and within the District.
"It has been our focus this year to equip our leaders with the right tools for the job - and that goes well beyond trucks, hoses and other equipment."
The 25 participants set the agenda and set discussion points relevant to them and their brigades.
"The event covered such topics as conflict resolution, change management, listening and communication techniques and confidence building," Volunteer Sustainability Team member Barrie Gray said.
"You could think that the camp would be heavy going given some of the topics discussed, but Neville and all the participants actually spent the whole weekend smiling and laughing.
"It’s a real credit to the volunteers who gave up their weekend to be part of the program and to see it as an investment in them and their brigades."
Mr Gray said he and the team are looking forward to holding similar camps in District 9 and the South East Region.