Firefighters put out the call

By CASEY NEILL
KALLISTA-THE Patch Fire Brigade is looking for more volunteers to help it protect the community.
Peter Toender, 40, joined the crew two and a half years ago after moving to the hills from interstate.
“The brigade needs about 12 extra fire-fighters to respond, particularly during the day, to help provide the 4000-strong community with an efficient emergency response,” he said.
“A broader base in the brigade would also assist sharing the workload of other brigade activities.”
Since joining the brigade Mr Toender has completed all his training in basic skills to become an operational firefighter and from July will become the brigade’s second lieutenant. He’s also a leader for the junior brigade.
“I feel like I’m in the community rather than outside of it,” he said.
“Since walking in the door everyone has made me feel welcome.”
Supported by his wife, he responds to most of the 80 annual calls for assistance from the community including house fires and motor vehicle accidents and was actively involved in the tourist bus fire at Grant’s Picnic Ground earlier this year.
The brigade has two tankers and a four-wheel drive support vehicle, which are used for calls and other activities like school fire safety sessions, Santa runs, community house carols by candlelight, traffic control for the Puffing Billy run, the Good Friday Appeal, and Kallista Community Market.
The brigade will hold a new recruit information session at 7.30pm on 4 June at Kallista Fire Station, Kallista-Emerald Road, Kallista.
Call brigade support officer Lynne Smith on 0407 564 920 to register interest in joining the crew.