CFA needs YOU!

By Kath Gannaway
CFA volunteer Silas Miller is urging other community members to become involved in CFA for the safety of their local community.
Mr Miller has been a volunteer for 16 years. “I got involved because my father was a CFA volunteer and it provided an opportunity to learn new skills and make a contribution to the community,” he said.
Mr Miller, who works locally as a nurseryman, is Fourth Lieutenant with Gruyere Fire Brigade and responsible for brigade recruitment and maintenance of fire-fighting equipment.
As a brigade member, he is on call 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, to help at house fires, grass and scrub fires as well as other emergencies such a motor vehicle accidents or storm damage.
Gruyere, Launching Place, Seville, Wesburn/Millgrove, Wandin, Woori Yallock, Yarra Junction and Yellingbo fire brigades will be actively calling on residents over the next month to help their local community.
Yarra Valley CFA Fire Brigades in particular are seeking active men and women for daytime firefighters.
Brigades are looking to recruit new members to fight fires, but also to assist with community education programs, promotions and displays, fund-raising and administrative activities. “Any time given is worthwhile and plays an part in supporting our community,” Mr Miller said.
He said all CFA volunteers receive nationally accredited training and develop skills that can be used outside CFA in the workplace or at home.
“Volunteer membership offers new members a chance to develop life skills, meet people from different backgrounds, as well as provide personal satisfaction,” he said.
Over the coming weeks, CFA fire brigades in the Yarra Valley will be out recruiting, including local information sessions on Sunday, 30 April.
Anyone interested in joining a CFA brigade, and for information on local information sessions, can call the Volunteer Hotline on 1800 232 636.