New peers join respected team

They were joined at the graduation by CEO Greg Leach AFSM and Group General Manager Support Services Matt Davis who spoke about the importance of the Peer Program and wished them well in their new peer roles.  

Corporate peers Kylie Findley, Chris Pallot, Magda Wozny and Val Conduit also attended to lend their support to their new counterparts. 

The Corporate Peer Team was established during the pandemic and now includes more than 35 staff from across the state including PTA staff, District Mechanical Officers and Tower Overseers.   

This latest cohort join a respected team of more than 200 volunteer and corporate peers across the state.  

CFA’s Environment Manager Adam King joined the program to give back to CFA and support his colleagues. 

“I don’t currently live in a CFA response area so I’m not able to volunteer for a brigade. Being in the Peer Support Team means I can embody the CFA spirit of volunteering,” Adam said. 

“It is also about creating a positive workplace. It’s fulfilling to help people. By being an empathetic and supportive point of contact for my colleagues, I help create an emotionally safe environment for them to feel welcome, included and supported. 

“The peer training was an extremely positive experience; I’ve been inspired by people and their journeys, and built on skills in listening, empathy and how to be the best human I can be.”   

CFA members and their families can access the Peer Support Program through the Wellbeing Support Line by calling 1800 959 232, selecting option ‘2’ and then the relevant peer team (volunteer or corporate). 

What is peer support? 

Peer Support members volunteer to provide mental health and wellbeing support to fellow members and their immediate families.  

A peer’s role is to listen to the person they are supporting, reflect and provide them with options to consider on how they might approach or deal with an issue. This could be about difficult or potentially traumatic life events whether personal in nature or related to being a CFA member. 

Supported by the Organisational Wellbeing Team, they play a crucial role in connecting members to CFA’s wellbeing services helping them engage with and access appropriate support.  

Prior to joining the program, prospective peers complete training in foundation skills and psychological first aid with several scenario-based role plays and case studies.  

Running for more than 30 years, the program has had a positive impact during critical times for CFA including the 2009 fires, the 2019-20 fires, the 2022 floods and interstate deployments.  

The program will continue to evolve and develop to provide CFA members and their families for years to come.