When Tash Sinclair became a CFA volunteer with Kangaroo Ground Fire Brigade more than four years ago, she didn’t imagine she’d end up serving the community alongside her family.
“My family all see how passionate I am about being a CFA volunteer and how much I enjoy it, and that’s contagious,” Tash said.
“When I talk about what I get out of being a volunteer, people see the enthusiasm.”
But her husband Clayton still needed some convincing to join up.
“I nagged my husband to become a volunteer. At the time he was already helping out with brigade events and I kept telling him he should become an official member. So he joined in October 2021.
“Both of us being brigade members is like having a hobby we can do together outside of our day jobs.”
Tash and Clayton are both firefighters and often go out on the same callouts.
“It happens all the time. I’ve worked with him for 18 years running a business, so we naturally have good communication with each other before and during turnouts,” Tash said.
Tash’s nephew, Josh Dowling, joined the Juniors at Hoddles Creek, while his mum Jill (Tash’s sister) joined Wandin brigade.
“Josh is an ourdoorsy boy and is enjoying the practical skills he’s learning at CFA,” Tash said. He’s proud to be a Junior and happy to help out at the station.”
Tash’s mum, Andy, had also been supporting the brigade with social events and was happy to become an official member when she moved into the area at the start of the year.
“My mum received her member number in the week of Mother’s Day,” Tash said. “I was rostered on Mother’s Day to take the trucks out for their maintenance run and I asked my mum if she’d like a ride in a truck. She jumped at the chance and was very enthusiastic.
“She took photos and showed them to the children she teaches at an early learning centre.”
Andy volunteers in a support role as one of the Friends of Kangaroo Ground fire brigade – the name given to the auxiliary – where she helps with social events and fundraising.
“Mum wants to relieve the pressure on operational members by doing tasks around the brigade.”
Tash was the brigade’s Community Safety Coordinator for two years and is currently the 5th Lieutenant. She is also one of 695 volunteers who are CFA staff members. Tash began working at CFA as a District Business Manager and has since progressed in her CFA career as Senior Manager Business Services, based at Burwood Headquarters.
“I really appreciate the contrast between my work in my employed role and volunteer role. Each presents unique challenges that engage my mind in different ways, and it's incredibly rewarding to know that in both capacities, I'm helping Victorian communities to prepare for and respond to fire.
“My family has a culture of helping people and as we are also outdoorsy types, we are all really enjoying volunteering.”
| Submitted by |
News and Media |