Elsie Lange
What do a nurse, a teacher, an IT professional and a cook at a local cafe all have in common?
Well, they can all sign up as volunteers for the Riddells Creek Fire Brigade – because no matter what you do, or who you are, they want more volunteers.
Brigade captain Michael Hemingway has been with the Riddells Creek CFA for twenty years and said there are a range of roles for new members, not just as firefighters, but in non-operational roles as well.
“People think the CFA is just firefighting, but we also do road rescue, responding to all sorts of emergency events, and planned burns as well,” Mr Hemingway said.
“Non-operational, we have a group that does a lot of cooking for our firefighters, fundraising and community education is a big role.”
When asked what he enjoyed about being a volunteer for the brigade, Mr Hemingway said, “I love it”.
“What you put in is what you get out, we support each other and we’re a very well respected organisation,” he said.
The Riddells Creek Fire Brigade was founded in 1904, and is known to be one of the first ‘bushfire’ brigades in the state.
“We’ve got members who come from all walks of life are in a sense, doing their little bit, putting in,” Mr Hemingway said.
Details: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteers-careers/volunteer-with-cfa
