See the forests and the trees in May 2025 Volunteer Forum

May 2025 Forum panel

 

With Casterton in District 4 hosting the May Volunteer Forum, CFA has now broadcast a forum from every CFA district.

 

Focusing on Forestry brigades, the challenges of District 4 and the current dry environment, there is a plantation of great videos and information for members to harvest this month.

We’re joined on the panel by Casterton Captain Bevan Wombwell, who showcases the brigades road rescue equipment.

We also have Portland Captain Ian Hamley, who shares insights on his brigade, the role of forestry brigades and varied skill set needed to fight fires in District 4.

You can learn about the Green Triangle Fire Alliance and how cameras installed across the region is helping tackle fires early and swiftly in Victoria and South Australia.

Check out the May Volunteer Forum here or jump straight to specific segments below:

5:17 Opening credits
5:53 Welcome from Acting Chief Garry Cook
7:10 Panel introductions
8:05 Emergency Services & Volunteers Fund (ESVF)
10:02 Questions from members on ESVF
12:04 Coming up...
12:55 Casterton Captain Bevan Wombwell on brigade activity
13:59 Hailstorm event in Casterton
16:15 Farmers and drought - Kelvin Bateman, Dunrobin & Nageela Captain
20:00 D4 ACFO Rainer Kessling and Portland Captain Ian Hamley on conditions and activity in the district
24:30 A/CO Garry Cook on wellbeing services
25:36 Training Update - DCO Rohan Luke
34:30 Peter White AFSM interview on rescue history at Casterton
38:24 Rescue truck / equipment tour
41:20 Forest Industry Brigade discussion with Josh Pridham, HVP Plantations
46:14 Anthony Walsh on Green Triangle Fire Alliance Forest Industry Brigades
54:15 Timberland Pacific fire truck tour - Tim Baker
59:11 Fire spotting cameras
1:07:10 Portland overview with Captain Ian Hamley
1:12:28 Joint SES/CFA Rope Rescue in Portland - Ray Polaski
1:17:50 Katie Wilson, Casterton 4th Lt
1:19:30 Will Kerr, Casterton 3rd Lt on CFA Young Advisory Council
1:26:23 Workzone app - Danny Jones, Head of Fleet & Protective Equipment
1:30:02 Comment on ESVF by Kevin Stark, Lake Mundy Captain
1:34:28 Thank yous by A/CO Garry Cook
1:35:50 End credits

 

Submitted by	Bradley Thomas