Thanking CFA volunteers for their tireless efforts

From left, Stephen Ford and Sean Bethell from Coldstream CFA - Bill Poppins, Josh Ranter, Jac Lockwood and Cliff Overton from Healesville CFA. 263362_03 PICTURE: ROB CAREW

Some 54,000 volunteers are part providing vital services across the state for more than 1,200 CFA brigades.

It’s a giant effort that’s seeing men and women be part of day to day resources, helping to save lives, fight fires plus so much more.

This National Volunteer Week, the CFA once again would like to say thank you to the countless hours and efforts put into this vital community support.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said their members selflessly provide assistance to the community across the state, taking time away from their families, friends and workplaces, to help others.

“Our volunteers come from all walks off life; they are tradies, lawyers, nurses, chefs and farmers – just to name a few,” he said.

“The diversity of skills and expertise our volunteers bring to their CFA roles further boosts their brigades and the organisation, for which we are very grateful.”

This year’s National Volunteer Week theme is “Better Together” which holds true to CFA. Over the past three years, Australians have experienced major fires, floods and a pandemic.

CFA members have been called on to assist local, Victorian and interstate colleagues to support them in extremely challenging and trying conditions.

“Day after day, we see and hear firsthand the difference our members make, and the impact volunteering has on their communities – which is what this week is all about,” CO Heffernan said.

“CFA is about so much more than just firefighting – with volunteer roles such as community educators, health and safety specialists, or financial supporters, CFA constantly demonstrates that we are “better together”.”

CFA Chief Executive Officer Natalie MacDonald said this week and every week we thank our dedicated volunteers for the incredible contributions towards keeping Victorians safe.

“I am continuously impressed by the ongoing hard-work and professionalism of our volunteers,” CEO MacDonald said.

“They sacrifice their personal time to protect and serve Victorians and they are leaders and educators in their communities.”