CFA members at Baddaginnie Fire Brigade in the state’s north-east are the first of thousands of volunteers to receive sets of CFA’s new workwear.
Victorian communities can expect to see the smart new look on members while they participate in brigade activities, fundraising, training, community events and working within incident management teams.
The workwear does not replace CFA’s iconic yellow firefighting gear which remains the primary personal protective clothing for our firefighters.
A total of $9 million is being invested to locally-produce more than 30,000 workwear sets, securing 20 Victorian jobs in the process.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan met with Baddaginnie Fire Brigade members to launch the workwear rollout.
“I’m proud to see the new workwear on the first of many thousands of volunteers today,” CO Heffernan said.
“It provides a uniquely CFA identify for our members both within the emergency services sector and while they are out in the community.
“It’s another important way that we are investing in our volunteers and ensuring that their equipment, training and clothing reflect and support the professionalism they display in their communities every day.”
This will be the first time volunteers have been provided with workwear, with the design featuring a Patriot Blue colour scheme.
More than 3,000 volunteers contributed to the extensive design consultation to ensure the final product met their needs.
Baddaginnie Fite Brigade Captain Ben Cook said the brigade members were excited to be the first receiving the new gear.
“Our members were keen to get on board from the get-go and ‘look the part’ with the new workwear,” he said.
“We do a lot of public-facing activities such as education sessions at the local primary school, Good Friday Appeal fundraising and community events at the station, so the workwear will help us look unified and professional.
“When you’re dressed the same, you feel part of a team.
“CFA has a great reputation in the community and this workwear will help us to elevate and represent the organisation.”
The rollout of workwear to hundreds of CFA brigades will continue over the coming months, and sets of the new workwear will be on display at the CFA/VFBV State Firefighter Championships in Mooroopna this weekend.