Catering to the community at the Volunteer Forum – 27/08/2026
Community engagement was the focus at the August Volunteer Forum hosted by Narre Warren Fire Brigade in District 8.
The forum explored how volunteers can get involved in community engagement, with a close look at the South East Region Community Safety Brigade, the Mobile Engagement Unit and what’s coming up with Get Fire Ready.
There was plenty more on the agenda, including the spring seasonal outlook, AFAC wrap-up, training update, overseas deployments, smoke alarm program and a walk-through of Narre Warren’s catering truck.
Captain Koala also made an appearance with an important message to share, because community safety is love, actually.
You can watch the August Volunteer Forum here.
Or, check out the highlights below and catch up on anything you missed:
4:27: Opening titles
5:05: Welcome with Chief Officer Jason Heffernan AFSM
7:29: What's on tonight's show
8:27: AFAC in Melbourne last week
8:54: Seasonal outlook
11:24: Driving simulator launch
14:07: South East Region Community Safety Brigade with Bruce Jewell (Captain SER Community Brigade)
18:23: Mobile Engagement Unit with SER brigade members Elissa Jans and Sumit Wadhera
23:45: How to join the SER Community Engagement Brigade
25:06: Get Fire Ready with Ruffy fire brigade (video)
26:51: Get Ready for Get Fire Ready - what is available for volunteers to get ready to engage the community
30:33: Statewide initiatives for Community Engagement with Bruce Jewell and Sumit Wadhera
34:47: Bushfire Safety for Workers - online module
38:03: Fire Medical Response training day (video)
40:03: Narre Warren Catering Truck walk through
46:46: Narre Warren Brigade with Travis Carter (Captain)
53:56: Overseas deployment (video)
56:25: US and Canada deployment
57:57: Smoke Alarms (tell them it's Captain Koala)
58:25: Smoke Alarm install program with Claire Cowton (Community Engagement Coordinator)
1:05:03: Training Update with Deputy Chief Officer Rohan Luke
1:13:34: Question time with questions from online
1:15:04: Questions from the audience
1:18:20: Other items - YouthFest and Wear It Purple Day
1:21:52: Wrap up and good night
1:22:26: Good night from Captain Koala
1:22:35: Closing credits