Inverloch Fire Brigade’s 1st Lieutenant Matthew King has been making blood donations for around a decade now, and he’s kept this habit up for this year’s Lifeblood Emergency Services Blood Drive.

“I started donating when I began responding to road crash incidents and knowing that I could be helping those people who were involved even more,” he said. 

“I also know people who had cancer and needed blood transfusions, so I understand how vital it is to give blood, if you can. 

“Being a universal O-negative blood type, it just made sense.” 

Matt said a common misconception he’s noticed when discussing donating blood with friends and family is that they think “it’s a bigger commitment than it actually is”. 

“Generally, I’m in and out in about half an hour,” he said. 

“It’s super quick and makes a massive difference to people who need it.” 

As a CFA volunteer, Matt said it only makes sense to get involved in the blood drive and make regular donations. 

“It really is just a continuation of what we do as CFA volunteers,” he said. 

“As volunteers our goal is to help our communities and we can push that further by doing this. 

“I’d encourage anyone to head down to their local donor centre and give it a go, if they can.” 

The Red Cross Emergency Services Blood Drive runs from 1 June – 31 August. You can find out more at www.lifeblood.com.au.

The last day of July featured a successful training day organised by Bayswater Fire Brigade, with several CFA and FRV brigades joining forces to showcase the power of teamwork.

It was held at the GlaxoSmithKline site in Boronia and 80 personnel from numerous brigades participated, each contributing their unique expertise, strengthening our unity and boosting preparedness levels.

A notable highlight was the pumping relay exercise, where six brigades (Montrose pumper, The Basin pumper, Bayswater pumper, Ferntree Gully pumper, FRV pumper 26, FRV teleboom 27, and Scoresby Hose Layer) demonstrated their teamwork and commitment to a common goal.

The presence of Knox SES with the field operations vehicle (FOV) added to the effectiveness of the joint training. 

The training day also included search and rescue operations using breathing apparatus, which allowed participants to demonstrate their skills and communication under realistic scenarios. The office building was filled with training smoke and dummies to extricate.

Michelle Croad has called Sorrento home her entire life, and now after an impressive 26-year stint at the local brigade as a dedicated firefighter she has officially taken over the reins as captain.

While there have been a modest 11 members to lead before her, Michelle stands alone as the first woman to captain in the Peninsula Group, further etching her name in history.

“To become captain of the Sorrento Fire Brigade is an honour and a privilege.” Michelle said.

“What I hope to achieve as captain is to try and help build our brigade and just to be a good supportive member in our community.”

Growing up around the streets that surround the station since her early years, Michelle has become heavily immersed in the community and a well-known figure to lean on.  

Her interactions with residents and business owners make it clear she is a trusted leader of the community.

“I love the people. A good community spirit just resonates through the people that live here.”

The brigade has been actively trying to recruit new members through their local groups, particularly seeking responders for the summer months when tourism spikes in the region.

“A few weeks ago, we invited the Cub Scouts to the station and we showed them all the trucks and equipment.

“We had the opportunity to talk to the parents and explain what we did, and they had a lot of questions, which is always encouraging.”

While Michelle has the backing of the community, her family also plays an instrumental part of her support network – both on and off the truck. The Croad clan turn out as a united front when they can, with her son Chris being 3rd lieutenant, her husband Andrew and daughter Amy active firefighters and her son James, a non-operational brigade member. Not to mention cousins Darren and Lachlan who are also on board.

Working as a receptionist at a physiotherapist clinic, Michelle has found her diverse skillset has benefitted across both of her trades.

“Some of the skills CFA has taught me has been helpful in my job, whether that is my enhanced communication skills, first-aid or being able to remain calm while under pressure.

“My boss is quite supportive of the role that I play in the community, so I do have a bit of flexibility in my job to be able to attend calls which I’m really grateful for.”

If you’re interested in joining CFA or learning more about volunteering, head to our website to ‘Give Us a Hand’.

Hepburn Rural Fire Brigade has hosted a community open day with the introduction of a new light tanker to its fleet – and a special commemoration.

Over the last five years through COVID the brigade has been able through fundraising, generous donations and a successful application through a VESEP grant, and added a new ultra light tanker to it’s fleet. With the fire season approaching this will be a valuable asset to the brigade and the Hepburn Community.

The local community, members of the Glenlyon Group and local brigades attend the event for a chance to inspect the new tanker. Commander Gavin Hope and BASO Julie Britten from CFA District 15 were also in attendance for numerous medal presentations.

The late B. P Yanner affectionately known as Poppy was a staunch advocate for the brigade and its transition from a small tin shed to a new station with new appliances that would benefit the next generation of fire fighters and younger upcoming members. As a mark of respect and remembrance brigade members had his name inscribed onto the Ultra Light Tanker which was emotional time for the brigade.

Current and serving Captain Barry. K Yanner, Neville Yanner and John Faulkhead were all recognised with a 40 year service medal and Life Memberships . Other members to receive awards for their service were Kyle Yanner & Jed Neville 5 years service and Tim Farmer for 40 years service.
If you have contemplated or want to become a member of the Hepburn Rural Fire Brigade feel free to come to the Fire Station on Sundays 9-12am or email hepburncfa@gmail.com

The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence as one cheeky Galah found out.

CFA Crews from Queenscliff Fire Brigade were surprised to find a Galah stuck high up in the fence of the Queenscliff Cricket Club on Tuesday.

A wildlife volunteer had come across the bird and wasn’t sure what to do, so she contacted CFA for assistance.

4th Lieutenant Elaine Jell, who responded to the incident said, “Sometimes when we receive a code 3, we don’t often get many details about the incident, so we were surprised to find the unlikely patient.”

Assisted by FRV and a ladder platform, crews were able to reach the bird and bring it down to safety.

“The bird was stuck quite high up the fence and it looked like it had its feet caught. It also wasn’t physically possible to reach it, so we requested for help in the form of a truck with a ladder platform.” She added.

The incident illustrates the potential dangers of netting and net-like structures to wildlife, and the desireablilty of avoiding the use of such structures in the first place.

Victoria’s fire services are calling on households to develop or review their Home Fire Escape Plans.

Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) and CFA respond to more than 3,000 residential fire incidents across the state each year, many of which are preventable.

House fires move fast and can fill your home with smoke in a matter of minutes. They can be devastating and fatal. While the dangers of fire are very real, there is a lot you can do to protect your family and your home.  

Fire Rescue Commissioner Gavin Freeman, AFSM said that families and households spending time at home this weekend should take the opportunity to make a plan together, practice it, and ensure they are well prepared.  

“During winter, we spend much more time inside, out of the cold, so it’s important to establish or revisit your Home Fire Escape Plan,” Commissioner Freeman said.   

“Nobody wants to think about a fire in the home, but sadly in Victoria every year, on average 18 lives are lost in preventable house fires.”

“Knowing how to quickly exit your home in case of an emergency could mean the difference between life and death, and it is crucial that all members of the household, including children, know what to do in the event of a house fire.” 

CFA Chief Fire Officer Jason Heffernan said winter is a good time for Victorian residents to re-educate themselves on their Home Fire Escape Plan.

“Whether you are a homeowner or renting, you should have a plan in place and practice it regularly, deciding on a safe place to meet, like the letterbox, should an emergency arise,” CO Heffernan said.

“To keep your loved ones safe, it is essential smoke alarms are installed in all bedrooms, living areas and hallways so everyone in the property is alerted to a fire.”

“The safest plan is to get down low to stay out of the smoke, close nearby doors to slow down the spread of the fire, and call triple zero once you’re safely outside.” 

For more information on how to make a Home Fire Escape Plan, visit frv.vic.gov.au or cfa.vic.gov.au. 

When making your Home Fire Escape Plan, remember:   

• Know what to do if a fire occurs. Whether you are a homeowner or renter, you should have a home fire escape plan in place. 
• Practice your plan for when there is an emergency with your whole household. 
• You can’t escape if you have deadlocked your doors.
• Tips for when there is a fire:
• Get out and stay out or get down low and stay out of the smoke.
• If it is safe, close doors to slow down the spread of fire and smoke.
• Alert other people on your way out.
• Meet at a safe place, such as the letterbox out the front of your home.
• Call triple zero from a mobile phone or a neighbour’s phone.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan recently led by example, donating blood, in support of the 2023 Lifeblood Emergency Services Blood Drive.

With a little over a month remaining for this year’s blood drive, he used this as an opportunity to inspire CFA volunteers and staff to make a blood or plasma donation.

Since the blood drive kicked off on 1 June 2023, CFA members have made a total of more than 540 donations, including more than 335 plasma, 190 whole blood and nine platelet donations.

“Once again, I’m proud of the continued support so many of our CFA members give to the Emergency Services Blood Drive, by rolling up their sleeves to save lives,” said Chief Officer Heffernan who made the donation earlier this month.

One in every three Australians will need blood in their lifetime and yet only one in 30 Australians choose to donate.

“Our members put people and their communities first in everything that they do,” he said.

“I’m calling on members who may have never donated blood before, as well as those who’ve made a habit of it, to make an appointment during the next few weeks and help contribute to CFA’s tally.”

Last year, CFA volunteers, staff, friends and family racked up a total 1361 donations and 4083 lives saved.

CFA members can register to have their blood or plasma donation counted under the CFA Team.

“Let’s beat last year’s tally and top the list for the 2023 Emergency Services Blood Drive, once again.”

The Lifeblood Emergency Services Blood Drive runs from 1 June to 31 August.

CFA members or anyone interested in registering to donate blood can register at www.lifeblood.com.au.

To find a donor centre near you, visit https://my.donateblood.com.au/app/appointments/location.

Jan Hull has been striving towards captaincy within CFA for over 30 years, and now as Sutton Grange and Myrtle Creek’s first woman to become Captain, she is ready to put her promising ambitions into action.

To ensure the brigade continues making progressive advancements, Jan is hoping the 58-strong cohort can boost their skills through a number of proactive initiatives. 

“I’m most looking forward to leading the brigade itself and to lean into the future to utilise more technology, get people up to speed through more training and implement a few different ways of operating.” she said.

For Jan, volunteerism is at the core of all aspects of her life, so it’s no surprise she is leaving a dedicated legacy across many other organisations within the community.

“I started out at Harcourt CFA and was in the Ladies Auxiliary doing refreshments with my mum. I then went onto becoming their first woman to graduate as a firefighter.”

With four generations of her family now involved in CFA, and most paving the way in a leadership role, Jan couldn’t be prouder of how far they’ve come in their respective brigades. 

“My grandfather was Secretary of Harcourt, dad was the Captain and Group Officer, now my brother is Harcourt’s Captain, his wife is Secretary and Treasurer and one of their girls is now an active firefighter.

“I couldn’t do this without the support of my husband and two children. He’s been involved for over 20 years, and both of our kids are active firefighters, with our youngest now 4^th Lieutenant.

“Pre-election, I was 3^rd Lieutenant for Sutton Grange and Myrtle Creek, and previously in a comms role.

“We all love helping and supporting people at a time when they’re in need. To be able to give back to our community and help protect them is why we do what we do.”

Working as a primary school integration support officer, Jan has found her CFA and teaching skills go beneficially hand in hand.

“At school, I’m helping the kids and staff problem solve through various circumstances, then at CFA we develop the ability to work under pressure, so I do reap the rewards of both skillsets.

“If you’re wanting to give CFA a go, jump in, become a sponge, learn off others around the brigade and always put your hand up for any training opportunities to keep evolving your skills.”

More than one hundred Dandenong and Knox volunteer firefighters and CFA staff members have recently been honoured with National Emergency Medals for their efforts in the 2019-2020 Australian bushfire crisis.

The National Emergency Medal is part of Australia’s Honours and Awards system and recognises significant or sustained service to others in a nationally significant Australian emergency.

At ceremonies on Wednesday, 12 July and Sunday, 16 July at Mater Christi College in Belgrave, 158 firefighters from across CFA’s District 13 became the latest of more than 5,500 CFA members to receive the honour for the 2019-2020 fires.

CFA Board Member Peter Shaw AFSM, presented the medals and said they were an important recognition of the valiant efforts of CFA members.

“The National Emergency Medal is a formal recognition that Australia appreciates the efforts and contributions of CFA members during the 2019-2020 bushfire crisis,” Shaw AFSM said.

“It is a great honour to receive this medal and I hope it goes a small way to thanking our members for their service.”

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan spoke of his pride for the CFA members’ efforts.

“The 2019/2020 fires devastated East Gippsland and the North East of Victoria,” CO Heffernan said.

“But from that crisis arose the most remarkable human spirit of generosity and ‘lending a hand’.

“Our medal recipients have exemplified that spirit, and I am incredibly proud of each and every one of them.

“Whether they joined a firefighting strike team, worked in an Incident Control Centre or provided other assistance to affected communities – every contribution made a real difference.”

Knox Group Officer, Master of Ceremonies and recipient on Sunday, Peter Carew, said it was an honour to be formally recognised.

“Volunteer fireys don’t do the job for praise or awards – we do it to help our fellow Australians in need. We come home, dust ourselves off and get ready for the next one,” Peter said.

“However, this honour goes a long way in recognising the significant efforts members went to, to protect the communities and their assets under threat, in what was such a challenging event.”

A further 106 volunteers from Maroondah and Yarra Valley will receive a National Emergency medal on Sunday, 23 July at Yarra Valley Lodge in Chirnside Park.

CFA firefighters responded to a house fire in the Grandview Estate in Truganina at around 2pm on Friday 14 July 2023.

Volunteer firefightersfrom Rockbank and Caroline Springs brigades attended the scene on Doma Drive, with support from Fire Rescue Victoria.

On arrival, firefighters were faced with a single-storey home with flames issuing from the roof space and from the rear of the property. Additionally, becasue of strong winds the property next door was under threat from the flames.

“The quick work of fire crews ensured the fire didn’t spread to the neighbouring property and was brought under control as quickly as possible,” Rockbank Captain and Incident Controller Matt Cain said.

“We had two teams working in breathing apparatus with a hose line each. One crew worked internally and the other externally. After an initial attack, there were signs of structural collapse in the dwelling so our crews retreated to perform external attacks only.”

The collaboration between CFA and FRV firefighters worked well. Both agencies had members in the Incident Management Team, with Rockbank brigade captain being the incident controller, Senior Station Officer Gazzola being the operations officer and Senioe Station Officer Abbey being the safety officer and rear sector commander.

The incident was deemed under control at around 2.45pm and crews declared the scene safe at around 4pm. Firefighters remained on scene making sure there were no further hot spots.

The small township of Newmerella, 5 kilometres from Orbost, escaped the East Gippsland fires in 2019 because of good preparation, the vigilance of its brigade, and a lucky wind change.

When the immediate danger had passed, Captain Jason Griebenow and his team turned their attention to helping others in neighbouring areas, to great effect. 

The brigade’s tanker initially patrolled areas along and off the Princes Highway, until fire came out of the bush and into farmland from two different directions late on 30 December 2019. Newmerella’s and two out-of-town tankers were directed west to Waygara, to help farmers try to put out a blaze that had quickly covered an 8-hectare paddock. They brought that fire under control, then blacked out the next day. 

In the following two weeks, the brigade conducted a successful 5-kilometre back-burn to safeguard local farms at Waygara, and another burn at Partellis Crossing after a call-out there. But its biggest contribution was made a fortnight later at Tamboon. 

Jason explains: “One of our members, Dean Herbert, has a house at Tamboon and was concerned because fire was approaching on every side and the community only had a 1000-litre unit on a trailer owned by someone there. He asked if he could approach Steve Dorman [MFB Commander] to take a tanker there. I said that could happen, but he’d have to run it past the MFB at Orbost.” Dean was subsequently given clearance, and Jason arranged to send in supplies and radios. “They were fairly aware that they’d be trapped there,” he says. 

Tamboon, a settlement of 15 houses, is enclosed by bush, with only Tamboon Inlet providing a way out when the road is cut off. Jason heard from Dean later that night. “The fire’s coming,” said Dean. “We’ve got permission to light a back-burn and it’s going to happen soon. It’s totally surrounding us.” Dean was with brothers Glen, also from Newmerella, and Frank, from the Cann Valley brigade, and residents Adolino Marchi, Joe Di Luca and Ernest Vale. It was a small outfit with a small tanker and a few private vehicles. 

Jason, a relatively new Captain at the time, had faith in the firefighters’ abilities, but when he got a call at home that night, he was worried. A senior officer from FFMVic who was involved in the operation radioed to say that he’d given Dean a ‘wellbeing call’ and Dean hadn’t answered. Jason tried to ring him but couldn’t raise him either, so he left a message asking Dean to call back and let him know the crew was safe. Jason then turned in but couldn’t get to sleep. 

At 3.30am, Dean finally called: “All good. Just been under the pump keeping water round the houses, on woodheaps, putting out spot fires, etc.”. 

“That’s all that matters,” replied Jason, “that you’re OK.” 

“Dean said later it had been a textbook burn, pulling the controlled fire into the bushfire coming towards them,” says Jason. “It had worked perfectly.” 

All the national park back to Cann River to the south-east had burned, as well as west from Bemm River. But the fire, burning to the crowns of the large trees, had stopped on the edge of the buffer created by the firefighters. “I was so proud of the way it all worked,” says Jason. “It saved a small community. They managed to save all those houses.” 

Newmerella brigade continued to help out others, lending its shiny new big-fill to Bemm River brigade, then to DELWP, deploying a tanker and crew to Marlo to assist there, and supporting Wairewa Captain Julian Davies. 

Jason visited Tamboon a year later for a community reunion. By then, Ernest, Adolino and Joe had joined CFA. “I looked around and was stunned at what they did,” says Jason. The people of Tamboon presented him with a large canvas photo of what are now known as the ‘Tamboon Six’ with the Newmerella tanker and the trailer. Jason says he was told that “without that little tanker, we couldn’t have done it”. 

Jason’s story is now one of many that emerged from the 2019-20 fires and have been profiled in the new book, Our Black Summer. The entire book can be read online on the CFA website. 

A surge in garage fires across the state has Victorian fire services encouraging residents to clean up their garage and consider installing smoke alarms inside.

Many of the reported garage fires in the last year were caused by faulty electrical equipment or related to fuel spills. 

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said CFA firefighters have already responded to 26 garage fires this year compared to the 28 in total from last year.

“We’re expecting to see a rise in rechargeable battery and car fires this winter season.” CO Heffernan said. 

A garage fire at a Mooroolbark home last month was a timely reminder about the importance of households inspecting their appliances, devices and vehicles regularly.

The Mooroolbark family escaped from their home after their refrigerator in their garage caught on fire due to an electrical fault that quickly enflamed the entire residence.

“The family could have been alerted sooner had an interconnected or long-life battery smoke alarm been installed in the garage and in the nearby hallway,” CO Heffernan said.

“It is essential that smoke alarms are installed in all areas containing electrical devices, as they have the potential to catch alight.”

Fire Rescue Commissioner Gavin Freeman said the incident also calls for Victorians to check the condition of all electrical appliances in their garages.

“Inspect the condition of your electrical items and if you notice any damage, ensure they are repaired by a certified tradesperson,” Commissioner Freeman said.

“When it comes to items powered by lithium-ion batteries, such as e-scooters and e-bikes, only use chargers and cords that were originally supplied with that device. Using chargers with incorrect power delivery can cause damage or overheating that can lead to fires.

“Finally, keep all garages free of clutter, so that if an electrical item does catch alight the fire will be less likely to spread.”

The Swan Hill community has added further strength to their emergency response this month, with eight Fijian CFA members receiving their General Firefighter Course certificates.

Gathered at the Italian Social Club in Swan Hill on Sunday, 2 July, Swan Hill Fire Brigade Captain Michael Howard proudly presented four Swan Hill brigade and four Woorinen South brigade members their operational credentials in a traditional service.

Hailing from Fijian villages, Captain Michael Howard said it has been fantastic to have such diversity within the brigade following their arrival in July last year.

“It’s been great to have the Fijian’s join us. They’ve brought a great deal of their culture to our brigade and imparted a different way of looking at things,” Michael said.

“It’s helped bring our community together and realise the different cultures we have.

“They’re always very happy and joyful to be a part of the team. We all work as one.”

Josateki Vunimasi joined the Swan Hill Brigade last year, moving from his village after COVID-19 impacted the availability of jobs back home.

“I came here under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility program and was lucky enough to come and work at the Abattoir,” Josateki said.

“The Swan Hill community, the way they have welcomed us here, it’s like living back at home in Fiji. They’re so friendly, so kind and so helpful. Especially here at CFA, they’re our family now.

“Everywhere you go, they give us a ‘bulla’ smile.

“Even when I was a kid back at home I always wanted to get on the big truck and wear the uniform.”

Joseph Nacuva from the neighbouring Woorinen South Brigade said although he didn’t know anybody when he arrived at Swan Hill, he wanted to spend his time helping the people of the community.

“The fire safety in my area in Woorinen plays a very important role in helping people and distinguishing how we can put out the fires,” Joseph said.

“By the end of the program I just want to have spent my time helping the people of Swan Hill.”

Although the brigades didn’t actively try and recruit them, Michael’s brief discussion with their Fijian leader who approached him was more than enough to build their eagerness and excitement to uncover what CFA is all about.

“It’s been great to bring new people in and new blood into the brigade.”