Young CFA volunteers build skills, confidence and connection
.JPG "Image to display")
Young CFA volunteers from across the South East Region have been building their skills, confidence and networks through recent direct skills maintenance days.
Organised by CFA’s South East Region’s Volunteer Sustainability Team (VST) and the Young Adults Network (YAN), the events brought together 30 CFA volunteers aged between 18 and 30 and provided the opportunity to maintain practical firefighting skills, learn from experienced volunteers and connect with members from brigades across the region.
CFA Volunteer Sustainability Team member Lukasz Lipnicki said the YAN was created to create a stronger connection between younger volunteers and establish networks beyond their own brigade.
“For many young volunteers, their brigade can be the centre of their CFA experience. YAN provides an opportunity to broaden that experience by connecting young members with other volunteers, experienced leaders and opportunities across South East Region,” Lukasz said.
“By bringing volunteers together from different brigades, YAN allows emerging leaders to begin developing the confidence and skills needed to take on greater responsibilities within their brigades and CFA more broadly.
“The Skills Maintenance Days at the West Sale and Bangholme CFA Training Campus’ are examples of this approach in action.”
Across both days, participants worked through a range of practical exercises designed to test and develop their firefighting skills in a supportive and controlled environment.
Exercises included crew leadership and radio communications, a simulated motor vehicle accident, and a live-fire exercise in a realistic emergency scenario.
“The exercises reinforced the importance of teamwork, communication and safe operating procedures while giving members valuable experience working in the heat and pressure of a live fire environment,” Lukasz said.
“The members were supported by their volunteer junior leaders, who play an important role in creating a positive learning environment and CFA PAD Supervisors at the training campus’ whose assistance was invaluable in facilitating the practical exercises safely and effectively.
“The Skills Maintenance Days demonstrate what can be achieved when experienced volunteers invest their time and knowledge in the next generation and the commitment of CFA’s young volunteers to maintain their skills to continue contributing to their communities.”
The Young Adults Network is helping create the next generation of capable, connected and confident CFA volunteers. Find out more about it by getting in touch with ser.vst@cfa.vic.gov.au