Brigades pay it forward
The Knox Group’s Pay It Forward initiative is strengthening camaraderie between brigades and boosting community fire safety across Victoria.
Through the program, brigades in Knox Group donate essential equipment - including pumps, chainsaws, e-flares and recovery gear - to rural brigades where fundraising is challenging and grant opportunities are limited.
The program also helps build connections between volunteers across the state. Visiting brigades often participate in joint training sessions, station tours and a BBQ, turning equipment drop-offs into opportunities for collaboration and friendship.
Recently, members from the Scoresby and Boronia brigades travelled more than four hours to visit Warrayure brigade in Victoria’s west, personally delivering donated equipment to several brigades in the region. Their delivery included chainsaws, recovery kits and other vital tools to enhance local emergency response capability.
To identify brigades in need, Knox Group members work with District 13 BASO Kelly Krajnc to review past VESEP applications and look for minor equipment requests that may not be funded. The aim is to support one or two brigades every six months.
Scoresby Fire Brigade Captain Phill Nagorcka said the brigade had supported other brigades with equipment in the past but decided last year to formalise its support through an ongoing annual commitment.
“As an urban brigade, we have more opportunities to raise funds,” Phill said.
“Some rural brigades don’t have that option - and in many cases, the brigade is the community. We’re fortunate to be able to help and this is our way of supporting fellow volunteers.”
Following the handover, Warrayure members hosted a station tour and received an overview of Scoresby’s specialist hose layer truck, providing an opportunity for volunteers to share knowledge and compare resources.
The Warrayure visit is just one example of the program’s growing impact. In September, Ferntree Gully members visited the St James & District Fire Brigade to donate a new quick-fill firefighting pump. The groups also took part in joint training before sharing a BBQ lunch.
Pay It Forward is quickly becoming a powerful way for CFA brigades to share resources, build capacity and support one another across Victoria.
“The Pay It Forward program is a great initiative - it clearly explains the what, the why and who you’re helping,” Phill said.
“If you can help, even in a small way, get on board.
“It genuinely makes a difference to brigades that are doing it tough. When you speak to those receiving the equipment, you can truly feel the impact it has."