By Tyler Wright
The Selby CFA Fire Brigade is on the hunt for new recruits ahead of the 2023/2024 fire season.
Banners, door knocking and an upcoming information session are all a part of the five-week long winter campaign.
“It’s a matter of targeting people that we believe are going to stay here for a long time so that they get the benefit out of it, too, that they’re in the brigade for a long time and enjoy what it has to offer and what they can give back to the community,”
community safety coordinator Neville Aldham said.
“We’ll support Begrave South to Belgrave to Menzies Creek… then in the summertime we go away to interstate mainly, but can be intrastate as well, with a group of trucks to fight the fires that you see on the telly.
“This year is leading up to a fire season, where we’ve had two or three years where there’s been nothing since that ’19/ ’20 season.”
Currently with around 21 operational members, those interested in becoming a CFA volunteer will need to complete a month-long theory course followed by an assessment before being able to hop on a truck and attend a call out.
Third lieutenant Andrew Munn said in winter, members may attend house fires, chimney fires and car accidents.
“August, where it’s windier, there’s trees down, you help out with the SES…anything that happens in the community, we’re there to help them,” Mr Munn said.
Mr Munn said there are also support roles available that do not involve firefighting.
“You don’t have to be out there with a hose fighting a fire,” he said.
The brigade will hold an information session at the Selby fire station on Greenwell Road on Thursday 20 July from 7.30pm to 8.30pm, with anyone over 16 years of age able to be trained as a firefighter.
“They could gain chainsaw qualifications, first aid qualifications, driving heavy vehicle qualifications… skills that they can then use elsewhere,” Mr Aldham said.
“The skills you learn are fantastic and then you’re helping your neighbours out… if someone’s house is on fire, you’re helping them out,” Mr Munn added.
Volunteer firefighter Laura Lucas received her qualification at the end of May.
“For me, it’s about being part of the community and also giving back to the community as well,” Ms Lucas said.
“Even just some of our just regular Wednesday night trainings, when that’s on, we do that with other brigades as well which is nice, that’s an even bigger group to get to know and mingle within.
“I’ve only been in Selby for just over two years now…maybe I’ll be here for 40 years.”
