Alarm bells ring as people tune into Volunteer Forum
Below the popular Dandenong Ranges tourist destination of the 1000 steps, a live fire call literally stole the April Volunteer Forum at Upper Ferntree Gully as two tankers and two FCVs rolled out to attend.
The live call caused amendments to the run down, but all guests were able to appear, with two having returned from the call out.
With the brigade celebrating 100 years, Captain Peter Smith showcased the great times members had celebrating 100 years, including a special medal.
Viewers were also updated on building works updating the facilities for members, lessons learned from the 2009 fires, how seasonal firefighters helped this past summer and how the brigade balances urban/forest environment along with local residents and tourists visiting.
We also heard from volunteer and staff member Emily Peel and Regional BASO North East Tanya Lumley on CFA’s women’s mentoring program and statewide women’s challenge camps.
For our 50th Volunteer Forum, there is plenty to update members on.
Watch the Volunteer Forum here:
0:00 Opening titles
0:36 Welcome from Chief Officer Jason Heffernan
1:36 Introduction to live audience and guests
2:19 Funding announcement by Victorian Government
4:41 Upper House Inquiry
5:37 Coming up on tonight's show
6:58 UFG Captain Peter Smith and 1st Lt Darren Johnson on brigade's 100th celebration
10:09 Brigade 100th year video
16:23 Captain Peter Smith on station renovation
18:55 1st Lt Darren Johnson on Angliss Hospital extension
21:53 Brigade respond to structure fire
24:27 Captain Peter Smith on issues and risks at Angliss Hospital
25:26 Stabilisation work at Longwood fire
28:20 Emily Peel (former UFG volunteer and CFA staff member) on map model
30:17 Quarry Rd fire, 7 Feb 2009
32:36 Learnings from fire - Captain Peter Smith
34:00 Community safety / traffic management difficulties in area
35:41 Community education in the area
37:33 Importance of preserving brigade history
40:37 Driver Pathway Training Update - DCO Rohan Luke
52:33 Women's mentoring program - Tanya Lumley and Emily Peel
1:02:20 Good Friday Appeal 1:03:20 Luka Brown, UFG new recruit on experiences so far
1:05:52 Seasonal firefighter Mark Emerson
1:10:04 Firefighters Memorial Service 2026
1:12:50 50th Volunteer Forum celebration
1:16:12 Thanks to everyone and goodnight
1:16:35 Credits