Get Fire Ready drives increase in CFA recruitment
Between 3 and 29 October, almost 500 Victorians have put their hands up to join CFA on the back of the Get Fire Ready initiative.
This figure represents an 11 per cent increase in new applicants compared with the same period last year.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the lift in applications reflects the overall message of Get Fire Ready, which wraps up today (31 October).
“Get Fire Ready was all about informing Victorians about their local fire risk, encouraging people to prepare early and make informed decisions ahead of summer,” Jason said.
“To also see so many people wanting to take the next step and join their local brigade shows the strong sense of volunteerism that runs through this state.
“The more people who step up, the stronger CFA becomes, which can only benefit the communities we protect.”
Of the 499 new applicants, 61 per cent were men and 36 per cent were women. Around 66 per cent of applicants want to serve as firefighters while 33 per cent preferred non-operational roles.
Younger Victorians led the way, with around 38 per cent aged between 18 and 34 and 27 per cent aged 17 or under.
Jason said it was encouraging to see people of all ages signing up, but particularly the number of younger Victorians showing an interest in joining.
“It’s great to see so many young people wanting to get involved,” he said.
“They bring new energy, skills and perspectives that help strengthen CFA for the future.”
More than 530 CFA brigades across Victoria hosted Get Fire Ready events throughout October, one of those being Bolinda-Monegeetta that sits in a high-risk bushfire area in the foothills of the Macedon Ranges.
The brigade tied its event into a community bonfire night on 18 October.
Brigade Chairman David Allen said Get Fire Ready was a great way to connect with local community.
“We had over 1,000 people come through. For a small brigade of 32 members, it allowed us to speak with locals in a way we don’t usually get to,” David said.
The brigade has received four new applications to join CFA throughout October.