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CFA is boosting its driver training capability across Victoria thanks to 10 new driver training trucks along with additional driving educators.
Today (15 November)) the keys to five of the 10 new driver training trucks were officially handed over to CFA by the Victorian Government.
Deputy Chief Officer Operational Doctrine and Training Rohan Luke said the new custom-designed driver training trucks will be delivered to CFA training grounds across the state, which will provide greater access to driver training without the need to draw on operational vehicles.
“These trucks have been built to replicate the size, weight and configuration of operational firefighting vehicles,” Rohan said.
“We’re one of the first in the Australian fire services to have purpose-built driver training trucks for our volunteers to use for driver training.
“Driver training courses are important for future capability within a brigade as they provide the key elements to ensure our drivers operate safely in high-risk environments whilst protecting Victorian communities.”
The 10 new trucks, which cost a total of $2.2 million, can be used for both on-road and 4x4 off-road driver training as they are self-sufficient, containing everything the trainer needs to deliver driver training.
CFA recently offered the first female-only Driver Educator Course (DEC) which six women have successfully completed.
CFA Commander State Driving Malcolm Hayes said this group of newly qualified women will soon be delivering driver training to brigades in their area and across the state when required.
“As a result of this female-only course, we will have tripled the number of volunteer female driver educators in CFA which is an incredible achievement and asset for the future of driver training,” Malcolm said.
“While we always encourage any CFA members to undertake the course, we do find creating female-only courses provides a more comfortable space and environment for them to train.”
Female driver educator and 2nd Lieutenant of Kangaroo Ground Fire Brigade Kate Lamble said CFA has a strong representation of women so we need to encourage them to take on these challenges.
“My motto is you can’t be what you can’t see. If we want more women to do these things, we need to show women we can do it and we need to get women out there doing it,” Kate said.
“I want to help break down those barriers and empower women to become CFA truck drivers and educators, creating a more equal representation across the organisation.”