For nineteen-year-old Ararat Brigade member Tameeka Cann, being involved with CFA is a way to make a difference in the lives of others.
Tameeka entered the junior brigade as an eleven-year-old and has progressed through the ranks to be a senior member over the past 8 years.
“CFA is practically my life, I absolutely love it. I love helping people and this is a great way to give back to your local community,” she said.
As an enthusiastic member of the brigade, Tameeka has taken part in a number of CFA and community related activities including the 12-day CFA leadership development program in 2015.
“The program really helped me to further develop my skills in conflict resolution, communication and leadership,” she said.
“It also taught me skills that I can use outside CFA and helped me decide what I wanted to study at university.”
Tameeka was one of 4 Victorians chosen to attend the recent National Police and Emergency Services Women’s Leadership Summit in Canberra. The event provides individuals with the opportunity to enhance their leadership knowledge and capacity.
As newly appointed District 16 Council Secretary, Tameeka said the summit taught her valuable skills that she is now applying to her new role.
“The summit helped to better my leadership and communication skills and gave me new ideas that I could bring back to my district,” she said.
“There were about 100 people that attended and we got to listen to guest speakers from different backgrounds which I found really empowering.”
Tameeka was among a group of Ararat Brigade members who spent a week assisting local firefighting efforts in Tasmania in 2016.
As a prominent senior member of the Ararat Fire Brigade, Tameeka said the brigade provides her with a very supportive environment.
“It feels like one big family, we often all sit down together after a call or training and catch up or play cards,” she said.
“I’m very lucky to be a part of something so great.
“My advice to young people who are considering joining is to give it a go! Its lots of fun and you will learn a lot of valuable practical and life skills.”
Author: CFA News