Celebrating our members on International Volunteer Day

 

Today on International Volunteer Day (5 December), we take a moment to recognise and celebrate the incredible contribution of our volunteers - the people at the heart of everything we do.

 

Across Victoria, more than 51,600 CFA volunteers give their time, skills and compassion to protect lives, property and the environment.

Your service is a powerful example of community spirit in action - people from all walks of life working side by side to keep Victorians safe.  

Whether you’re responding to fires and incidents, supporting your brigade, helping with training, engaging your community, fundraising, or providing leadership and mentorship, your commitment makes an extraordinary difference.  

This year so far our volunteers have attended more than 37,285 incidents, giving over 292,000 hours in service to their communities. Statewide, brigades have responded 71,920 times, with more than 284,000 individual member turnouts - a testament to your dedication and teamwork. 

Beyond responding to emergencies, our members work tirelessly to prevent fires and build community resilience. This year alone, CFA brigades have delivered more than 3,000 community engagement activities including Open Days, community events, letter box drops and social media.  

This is in addition to delivering programs such as property advice visits and the Smoke Alarm Installation Program. In October, more than 500 brigades also hosted Get Fire Ready events across the state, helping communities prepare for the fire season.  

On International Volunteer Day, we also acknowledge the families, employers and communities who stand behind our volunteers. Your understanding and support enable our members to respond when it matters most. 

As we head into the peak months of the fire season, thank you to all our members who dedicate their time year-round to protecting their communities.  
 
Take a moment today to reflect on the impact you’ve made through your service. You embody the very best of community spirit - and CFA simply would not exist without you. 

Thank you for everything you do. 

Greg Leach AFSM
CEO

Jason Heffernan
Chief Officer

 

Submitted by	CEO Greg Leach AFSM and Chief Officer Jason Heffernan