Tim F. said one of his most notable moments with the CFA was when he rescued two women amid a storm at Lake Eildon.
“We located them safe and well and the emotion and atmosphere of that, being able to rescue them as they were undergoing the first signs of exposure leading to hypothermia — it’s all about the things like that,” he said.
“You’re part of a bigger picture and you know that they’ve gotten home safely. They’re the quiet things that you’re really satisfied with.
“Yes, you’re doing this to help people, but you’ve legitimately saved someone’s life. I don’t think words can really describe that.”
Despite this unique, fulfilling feeling, brigades like Hilldene, which don’t have a surrounding township, can struggle to recruit volunteers.
“We become very reliant on the rotations through Puckapunyal, and every few years, you might get a couple who come on board, stay for about three years and then the cycle starts again,” brigade member Jake Williamson said.
While there’s a multitude of reasons surrounding why the volunteer rate is declining, fellow member Geoff Read said the CFA was particularly struggling with getting the “younger generation” on board.
“The middle-aged and older seem to be going all right, it’s the young ones — the teenagers and the ones in their low 20s,” he said.
After the devastating fire in Longwood and others across Victoria, Hilldene has noticed a significant number of individuals inquiring about volunteering at the brigade.
In response, the members are set to host a recruitment information night at 6.30pm on Wednesday, February 18.
“Instead of getting everyone here at individual times, we thought we’d put an event on, advertise it and try to make a night of it to get more people to come,” Mr Williamson said.
“We’re highlighting that it’s a no pressure thing on joining — you can come along, see what the expectations are and processes of joining, and if you believe it’s for you, then you can keep going with it.”
For Lesley Read, who jokingly said she would hate to think how long she and husband Geoff had been doing it — “far too long” — volunteering is a no-brainer.
“I think you have to do it for the right reason. People who do it for the accolades need to have a really long, hard look at themselves because you shouldn’t be doing it for that,” she said.
“You should be doing it for the community, and that’s why we’ve been part of it for such a long time, to support our community.”
Peter Graham, who joined after a Bunnings barbecue hosted by the brigade, agreed it was about serving the place you reside in.
“It all comes back to the community and wanting to add something,” he said.
“I was in the city for 40-something years of my life and then I’ve come back here and it’s about time I contributed something.”
While people may have their reservations on signing up, the brigade members insist that, as Lesley Read said, “there’s a lot more you can do than putting the wet stuff on the red stuff”.
“The CFA has a lot of roles and there’s a lot of different things you can do. It’s like a big cog in a wheel — without everyone playing a part, no-one would get out of the door,” Ms Read said.
Hilldene Fire Brigade welcomes all to attend its information night at the brigade, at 470 Seymour-Tooborac Rd, walk through the facilities, learn more about the roles and support available, and hear from the captain and wellbeing team.
“The good thing about CFA is that everyone comes from all different walks of life, but when we come here, it’s all equal,” Mr Williamson said.
21°C