The CFA is calling for interested members headed to Mallacoota this coming Easter to lend a hand in the Vols on Hols program as tens of thousands of visitors are set to make their way to the region.

Following a successful summer campaign which saw 21 CFA members based in the area participate in the initiative, local members are enlisting further help to respond to the anticipated influx of call outs come the end of March.

CFA Deputy Chief Officer South East Trevor Owen said while it has been a quieter bushfire season than usual across East Gippsland due to regular rain events, it has subsequently assisted in the implementation and learning of this new pilot program.

“We’ve provided an additional tanker to Mallacoota given the increased number of volunteers, and it has been of great benefit to the community,” Trevor said.

“Some of the involved visiting members have also taken up the opportunity to actively participate in brigade training as well.”

Alongside local volunteers, Hazelwood North Fire Brigade Vols on Hols participant, Ray Beaton joined Cann Valley Fire Brigade in a combined session, running through advanced pumping activities and attack and boosting drills for a car fire.

“We’ve really seen the social connection grow between CFA members, local Mallacoota residents and visitors to the region.” Trevor said.

Mallacoota Captain Tracey Johnston has the pleasure of inviting those members who have extended an expression of interest down to the station for a meet and greet before turning out.

“We’re so thankful for the assistance from brigade members who come from across the state. We like to give them a run through of our facilities and equipment before they jump in,” Tracey said.

“From the feedback we’ve received, families of the members have been really supportive, and understand how much CFA volunteering means to them.

“Some of their kids have also enjoyed coming down to the station to see the trucks and meet the local members.”

Participation in the inaugural Vols on Hols program is off to a flying start with 20 visiting CFA members registering and participating in the program to date.

Vols on Hols is a pilot program being trialled in Mallacoota in far east Gippsland with the aim to bolster volunteer numbers over the busy summer period.

Deputy Chief Officer for South East Region Trevor Owen said they’ve had good numbers since launching the program and have additional capacity up to 30 January.

“With school holidays coming to an end, we have a gap from 1 to 17 February which we are currently promoting to be filled but fortunately from the 18 Feb until the end of March the numbers pick back up again,” DCO Owen said.

The program was launched in November last year with Mallacoota being chosen as the trial site. The population of the remote coastal town can swell by up to 10,000 visitors during peak season and the area was severely impacted during the 2019-20 bushfire season.

“If you’re a CFA volunteer on holiday in Mallacoota this summer, the local brigade wants to hear from you,” DCO Owen said.

Warragul Fire Brigade member Danielle Watkins was one of the volunteers who happened to be holidaying in Mallacoota this summer and decided to put her name down for the program.

“It was a bit of a fluke actually. We don’t normally go to Mallacoota on holidays but my husband suggested it and I said yep let’s go to Mallacoota,” Danielle said. 

“I happened to be doing a training program with Tracey (Captain of Mallacoota Fire Brigade) at the time. I mentioned to her that I was coming down to Mallacoota and she said, ‘bring your gear!'”

If you’re a CFA volunteer on holiday in Mallacoota this summer, the local brigade wants to hear from you.  

“Vols on Hols” is a pilot program that will be trialled this summer in an effort to have more boots on the ground in far east Gippsland.   

Mallacoota was chosen as the trial site because the small and remote coastal destination significantly increases in population over summer with an influx of up to 10,000 visitors during peak season. It was also severely impacted during the 2019 and 2020 bushfires.   

South East Region Deputy Chief Officer (DCO) Trevor Owen said many people return to the Mallacoota region with family and friends as an annual tradition at the same time every year, some spanning decades.  

“CFA members are among the many visitors to Mallacoota each year and we are seeking their assistance while enjoying their stay,” DCO Owen said.

“Because of Mallacoota’s isolation and the increased risk over the summer period, we’re interested in CFA volunteers who can respond supporting members of the Mallacoota Fire Brigade. We completely understand that volunteers are on holidays to spend valuable time with their families, fishing, boating or other recreational activities, but we also know some members may be willing and able to assist in the event of emergency.  

“The nature of our members is they want to help if they can and Mallacoota Fire Brigade would appreciate the extra hands during this busy part of the year.”   

The pilot program is for operational responders and members who have skills in community education and engagement. Interested members are requested to provide an Expression of Interest. The application is then reviewed, and the member is sent a welcome letter and contacted by the Brigade Captain who will inform the next steps to introduce and induct the visiting member into the brigade. 

Mallacoota Captain Tracey Johnston said she welcomed the pilot program in Mallacoota to bolster the available resources of the Brigade. 

“We’d love to have more volunteers and welcome them with open arms, but you don’t have to turn up every time the pager goes off,” Tracey said.  

“We know that visiting CFA members want to help during an emergency and we welcome their skills to assist when they are available. The more hands, the better result all round.” 

Anyone interested in taking part in the Vols on Hols program would certainly be welcomed. For more information go to volsonhols.d11@cfa.vic.gov.au or call D11 Headquarters on 03 5153 7400.