This week is National Volunteer Week – a time to reflect on the important role that volunteers have in many facets of our community. We are incredibly proud of the work our volunteers do to protect lives and property in Victoria. They are the backbone of CFA and core to the resilience of the communities we protect, from the smallest country towns to our regional cities and expanding metropolitan suburbs.
CFA has come a long way since it was established in 1945. CFA Brigades and Groups have grown and adapted to meet the needs of ever-changing communities in order to continually improve the safety of all Victorians. Similarly, CFA has continuously refined and strengthened its approach to ensure our volunteers have the support required to enable continued success into the future.
Today, we are very pleased to launch the CFA Volunteerism Strategy which outlines CFA’s ongoing commitment to volunteerism. It is one of five CFA strategies that underpin CFA’s strategic priorities (Service Delivery, People, Volunteerism, Asset, and Finance) to position us well for the future.
Growth in metropolitan Melbourne, population decline in many rural areas, an ageing population, increasing cultural diversity and changed work patterns will lead to both challenges and exciting opportunities ahead. Social disconnection in some communities and an increasing interest in casual volunteering are just some of the other factors that will all shape volunteerism into the future.
To enable us to meet our mission within this changing environment, the Volunteerism Strategy has three priorities;
Encourage and value the contribution of volunteers,
Maintain and enhance the role of volunteers in service delivery, and
Strengthen the future of volunteerism and build connection with communities.
The strategy was developed in close collaboration with VFBV and CFA members. Thank you to those involved in the consultation forums and to everyone who provided input along the way.
As we all know, a strategy is simply words if there is a lack of action that follows, and we are currently working on prioritising these actions across CFA. We look forward to working with you to achieve the priorities and initiatives outlined in the strategy.
To all CFA volunteers – past and present – we acknowledge the vital contribution you make to CFA and to building community resilience for a safer Victoria. We also thank the families and the employers of our volunteers, and those of you who are self-employed for leaving your businesses at a moment’s notice. We are truly grateful.
Thank you for all you do.
Regards,
Michael Wootten
CEO CFA
Andrew Ford
CEO VFBV
Author: Michael Wootten