With crews recently working long days and facing confronting conditions as a result of recent fires, the CFA’s peers continued to work around the clock to check in on volunteers and their families in fire-affected areas.
CFA District 12 peer support co-ordinator Lesley Read is one of 184 peers in Victoria.
She said she was grateful to work alongside such a dedicated and like-minded group of peers.
“It’s incredible to see the way our peers step up to provide support, often during some of the most challenging times our members face,” Ms Read said.
“We are fortunate as an organisation to have so many incredible people who devote their time to looking out for the wellbeing of our firefighters and their families.”
Gloria Turner from Junorton Fire Brigade has been providing support for 12 years.
She said while it could be an emotional and challenging role, it was ultimately a privilege.
“Peer support can involve anything and everything, from practical help to one-on-one conversations with someone who has experienced a traumatic event,” she said.
“Firefighters witness events from traumatic road accidents to devastating fires, and they shouldn’t have to carry that alone.
“Sometimes the most important thing for firefighters is knowing someone is there for them who understands the job, speaks the same language and will listen without judgment.
“As firefighters ourselves, we understand the long days and the challenging scenes crews can witness, and we’re here to help them make sense of it all.”
Gisborne Fire Brigade member Dawn Whitall has been providing peer support for 19 years and was also deployed to several fire-affected areas this summer.
She said the scale of the fires was devastating for both the communities and volunteers involved in the response.
“Some firefighters were on the front line when they learned their own homes had been lost,” Ms Whitall said.
“We visited those members just to be there while they processed the shock. Other times we simply showed up at brigades and offered a safe space for anyone who needed to talk.
“Our role is all about providing support to members and their families in a way that works best for them.
“Sometimes you don’t need the right words, you just need to show up and be there to listen.”
The CFA has issued a thank you to all peers who continue to stand beside firefighters in times of need, providing them with vital support as they help protect the Victorian community.
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