This week is National Volunteer Week

Every day, we see firsthand the extraordinary commitment, professionalism and care our members bring to Victorian communities.  

Whether responding to fires and emergencies, supporting recovery efforts, educating communities, fundraising, mentoring young members, or keeping brigades, CFA volunteers are the backbone of emergency response in Victoria. 

This fire season was one of our most active and devastating since 2019-20. At the heart of it were CFA volunteers protecting lives, properties and communities. Many members responded time and again, leaving family dinners, work commitments, special occasions and time at home to answer the call when it mattered most. On behalf of CFA, thank you.  

This year’s National Volunteer Week theme, Your Year to Volunteer, is a timely reminder not only to celebrate the impact our volunteers make every day, but also to encourage new people to join CFA. Our Give Us A Hand recruitment campaign runs until the end of May, encouraging Victorians to put their hand up to join their local brigade. We’re also continuing work on the Contemporary Volunteer Membership Model project to help attract, support and retain a diverse volunteer workforce. 

As we celebrate our volunteers, we remain focused on how we continue to support you. Work is underway across several initiatives, including the Volunteer Leadership Development Program, Women in Leadership Mentoring Program, Captains Peer Mentoring Program and youth programs, helping to build the next generation of CFA volunteers and leaders. 

An online Volunteer Toolkit has been developed to support brigades in recruiting new members and provide useful information and guidance for people joining CFA. The Training Enhancement Program continues to focus on delivering practical, engaging and consistent learning experiences that work for everyone, regardless of their role or location. 

Recognition also remains an important way to acknowledge the commitment and service of our members. Through Australian Fire Service Medals, Life Memberships, Service Awards and other honours, we recognise the lasting contribution volunteers make across our organisation and Victoria. 

To every volunteer across CFA: thank you for your dedication, professionalism, compassion and service. There are also many benefits to being a CFA volunteer and more information can be found here. Reminder a CFA ID member card is required for many of the benefits and more information about how to get an ID card can be found here. 

Throughout National Volunteer Week, we’ll be sharing stories that highlight the experiences and contributions of CFA volunteers. Keep an eye on our social media channels, website and media outlets as we celebrate and thank you - the people who make such a vital difference to Victorian communities.