The August Volunteer Forum welcomed some younger members onto the panel to talk about youth initiatives including the new CFA Juniors website.
CFA Juniors will soon have a dedicated online hub specifically for Junior members and Junior leaders. With its unique address, this platform gives easy access for Junior leaders and Junior members to resources and information such as the Juniors program, related links, CFA data and essential child safety resources.
Each Junior brigade has its own homepage, where members can explore the latest updates, stories and highlights from their brigade. This platform also supports engagement and awareness, with key updates, feature stories and upcoming events and opportunities.
YOUTH ENGAGE THE CHIEF
The CFA Juniors online hub was announced at the August Volunteer Forum where, in a ground-breaking event, young members stepped into the spotlight and took charge of proceedings.
Coinciding with YouthFest, which is a Victorian Government initiative dedicated to celebrating and empowering young people across the state, this dynamic forum showcased the talents and achievements of our youngest members.
Broadcast live from Beaconsfield Fire Station, the forum provided a vibrant platform for these young members to present their ideas, highlight their contributions, and engage more deeply with our organisation. Their leadership and enthusiasm brought a fresh perspective to the forum, marking a significant shift and celebrating the vital role they play in shaping our future.
The forum started with an in-depth look at CFA’s Junior Volunteer Development Program, which is designed to cultivate our next generation of leaders and volunteers. The program focuses on providing young people with valuable skills, knowledge and experiences related to firefighting and emergency services.
The forum featured interviews with Juniors from Beaconsfield and Officer brigades, who shared their personal stories about why they joined and what they value most about the program. Hearing about their experiences at the forum offered a refreshing perspective and highlighted the enthusiasm and dedication of our youngest members.
Panellist Brooke McKenzie, a Junior at Beaconsfield Fire Brigade, was joined on the panel by her dad Jason who is a Junior leader.
“I joined the Juniors to have fun and learn about firefighting,” Brooke said. “I love spending time with my dad, and it’s something we can do together. I’d like to be CFA’s first female Chief Officer one day.”
Junior brigades participate in a wide range of activities designed to prepare them for long-term involvement with CFA. They practise essential skills such as hose work, radio communications, map reading and fire behaviour theory.
Many brigades also engage in running competitions and take part in demonstrations and State Championship events. This diverse and engaging program caters to various interests and skills.
An exciting component of the Juniors program is excursions to other brigades or emergency services organisations. These visits enrich the Juniors’ overall knowledge and appreciation of the diverse roles within the sector.
At the forum, Juniors discussed how learning basic fireground skills – and end-of-year water fights – have been crucial in their development. Beaconsfield Juniors have visited Eildon Fire Brigade to learn about water rescue techniques and toured Moorabbin Air Base to see firefighting aircraft. Other Junior brigades have explored local VICSES units to understand their emergency response, community safety and volunteer work.
During the live broadcast some brigade members had to jump onto their trucks after a fire broke out in a nearby shed. Chief Officer Jason Heffernan seamlessly kept the forum going as the truck behind him pulled out of the station.
“No matter what is happening, our volunteers are always prepared and ready to respond to emergencies and protect lives and property,” Jason said. “Even though we were in the middle of a live broadcast, crews quickly got their gear on and the trucks out. And, of course, the show must go on, so we continued broadcasting despite all the activity going on around us.”
WHEN I WAS YOUNG
A key highlight of the forum was a candid discussion where Juniors had the unique opportunity to interview senior leadership about their early experiences with the emergency services. During this engaging exchange, senior leaders shared personal anecdotes and reflections from their formative years.
“Being a Junior taught me more than just firefighting skills; it instilled in me values of teamwork, dedication, and resilience,” Deputy Chief Officer, Trevor Owen said. “It was here that I learned how to rise to challenges, support my fellow members, and serve our community with pride. These early experiences shaped my path and helped me grow into the leader I am today.”
This conversation not only provided a fascinating glimpse into their journeys but also underscored the critical importance of mentoring and supporting young people in the emergency services sector, to ensure they continue to play their part long into the future.
“Engaging and developing young members is essential because they are not only the future of our organisation but also the fresh minds and new energy that drive innovation and resilience.
By investing in them today, we ensure a more capable, dynamic, and dedicated response tomorrow,” Jason said.
CADETS
Another key topic at the forum was how to transition Juniors to senior roles at age 16 years old. Beaconsfield brigade has seen notable success, with six Juniors moving up to Seniors last year. They reported that 31 per cent of their senior members came through the Junior program, including three of the current brigade management team, highlighting the program's impact on brigade sustainability.
The forum also featured the King family's story from Sale. With the father as captain and siblings Dana and Daniel having attended Cadet camp, their experiences showcase the importance of engaging with and developing our youngest senior members.
The family talked about the opportunities offered by the brigade, as well as highlighting the Cadet camp's role in enhancing firefighting skills, practical training, and fostering teamwork and leadership among 16 to 17-year-olds.
In addition, Steve and Axel Martin from Beaconsfield Upper Fire Brigade shared their story. Axel joined the Juniors at Beaconsfield, inspiring his father to join Beaconsfield Upper. When Axel turned 16 years old, he transitioned to Beaconsfield Upper, and now the father and son serve together as senior members.
YOUNG ADULTS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Established in 2019, the Young Adults Advisory Committee offers a dedicated platform for CFA volunteers aged 18 to 30 years to interact directly with senior leaders and shape their volunteer experience.
Our young adult members are not only deeply involved but also hold impressive roles in their brigades. Many have already stepped into leadership positions, while others bring a wealth of experience from fields such as law, medicine, business, and corporate leadership. Their diverse expertise enriches both the committee and their brigades, reflecting a forward-thinking approach that ensures meaningful growth opportunities for young adults.
This was showcased at the forum through a video highlighting several current members and their various initiatives.
AND THE WINNER IS…
The forum buzzed with excitement as young members and senior leaders faced off in a thrilling hose bowling competition. With cheers and laughter echoing through the air, the game was a spirited clash of generations. The Juniors, fueled by their boundless energy and enthusiasm, took on the seasoned senior leaders in a friendly yet fiercely competitive match.
The event was not just a test of skill but also a vibrant display of camaraderie and team spirit. In an impressive and jubilant turn of events, the Chief’s team clinched victory, their triumph celebrated with high-fives and cheers all round, perfectly capturing the fun and unity of the evening.
Engaging our young volunteers does more than nurture future leaders – it infuses our organisation with fresh ideas and energy. By investing in their growth and giving them opportunities to excel, we secure a dynamic and sustainable future for CFA.
The forum showcased the transformative power of youth engagement, demonstrating that empowering our younger members not only enriches our organisation but also drives ongoing excellence and innovation.