By Kath Gannaway
Have you always wanted to help your community learn new skills and make new friends?
Healesville Fire Brigade is currently recruiting volunteer firefighters to join its team.
Brigade captain Graeme Bates leads a team of people who live and work in his own community, and says it’s the community spirit of both volunteers and local employers that makes it a rewarding experience.
“Being a CFA volunteer is extremely rewarding; it enables you to challenge yourself in a supportive, fun and friendly environment,” he said.
“Our volunteers come from all walks of life and have diverse backgrounds, interests and skills from cafe owners and tradesmen to bus drivers, tree loppers, people who work in retail, mums and local business owners.”
One of the great strengths of the brigade, a fully volunteer station, is that it is so well supported by local employers who freely allow members to attend emergencies during normal work hours.
Captain Bates said being a volunteer firefighter gave back in ways that went beyond the personal achievements.
“There is no better reward than the satisfaction of helping other people at their time of need, or in protecting your own community during times of emergency,” he said.
The brigade is looking for operational firefighters, men and women aged over 16 years, who want to serve, protect and play an important part in their community.
Nationally accredited training and protective equipment is provided at no cost to the volunteer.
A free, no-obligation information session will be held at the Healesville Fire Station, Crowley Road, Healesville, at 7.30pm on Tuesday, 30 May.
For further information, phone 0417 106 440.
