International Volunteer Day recognises selfless volunteers all over the world for the valuable contribution they make to their communities.
The day gives CFA the opportunity to thank every single one of its volunteer members across the state for their efforts, sacrifices and hard work in protecting lives and property.
This year, International Volunteer Day’s theme was ‘together we are unstoppable’, acknowledging that wherever and whenever there is a crisis, volunteers are ready to support those affected.
CFA has a strong volunteer membership of about 54,000 people, including Cranbourne Fire Brigade secretary treasurer Christine Henderson.
Ms Henderson joined the CFA at the young age of 17 after witnessing the 1997 Dandenong bushfires.
“I wished I could help in some way and that was my motivation to join,” she said.
“It’s a way of giving back to your community and supporting them through major events.”
Since joining the brigade, Ms Henderson has worked her way up the ranks.
“It’s definitely changed me, I was very quiet and shy, particularly as a young girl,” she said.
“For the some of the tasks you have to do you have to communicate clearly, which helped break me out of my shell.”
There are about 50 operational and non operational volunteers working at Cranbourne CFA, who become like a second family.
“In the CFA, you’re not just colleagues, you become friends,” Ms Henderson said.
“You’re put into intense situations where you build that level of trust.”
Ms Henderson said it was not just the CFA who deserve to be recognised, with many organisations such as the SES, Red Cross and Wildlife Victoria helping those in need.
CFA acting chief officer Garry Cook encouraged everyone to thank Victoria’s committed volunteer workforce for the vital work they do.
“I am incredibly proud of our CFA volunteers and want to applaud them for their commitment to their communities, whether responding to bushfires, structure fires, storms, road crashes, HAZMAT incidents, rescues or other emergencies,” Mr Cook said.
“Our volunteers are skilled, trained and ready to respond across our state, every day of the year.
“I want to thank all of our members – and their families – for selflessly giving their time to serve their communities.”
Mr Cook said highly trained volunteers have continued delivering prevention, preparedness and response activities across Victoria throughout the second year of the Covid-19 pandemic, which also brought severe storms and other challenges.
International Volunteer Day was held on 5 December.
