The Volunteer Reference Group (VRG) is vital in assisting with the planning and organising of the State Forum each year; and is used as a reference for other matters relating to the role of volunteers in CFA community safety engagement and education.
The informal support and leadership provided by CFA volunteers was integral to the success of the inaugural CFA Community Engagement and Fire Awareness State Forum in Macedon in 2011.
In July 2012 it was decided to formalise this support by establishing the Member Engagement Volunteer Reference Group.
The VRG is made up of at least 15 brigade members representing all CFA Regions, and both rural and urban environments. VRG meet formally at least 5 times a year at an outer Melbourne metro location – usually an integrated station or CFA HQ.
With a limited tenure of 2 years, several positions on the VRG will become vacant toward the end of this year.
If you are interested in joining the VRG, contact a current member, your regionally based Community Education Coordinator or Member Engagement on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 03 9262 8982
Current VRG members:
- April Himmelreich, The Basin FB
- Diane Lawson, Gordon FB
- Gaybrielle Burgess, Broadford FB
- Jo Crockett, Bannockburn FB
- Lindsay Pritchard, Clunes FB
- Michael Chapman, Arthurs Creek FB
- Michele Abbott, Truganina FB
- Olly Phillips, Wattle Glen FB
- Paul Webster, Berwick FB
- Peter King, Trida FB
- Peter Thomson, Tylden FB
- Peter Wall, Hamilton FB
- Sarah Ross, Linton FB
- Tamara Nagorcka, Scoresby FB
- Will Vale, Chiltern FB
- Tammy Garrett, Managers Community Safety representative
- Darlene Pentland, Member Engagement team representative
Photo credit: Diane Lawson
Author: Darlene Pentland