Initially starting as “I’ll give it a go”, volunteering with Ferntree Gully Fire Brigade is now a key part of Jasmin Chia’s life.
After moving to Ferntree Gully, Jasmin and her sister Jacquie realised they were living in a bushfire-risk area with minimal knowledge of how to stay safe. Wanting to both learn more and give back to the community, they signed up to their local brigade.
“If you’d have asked me before I started volunteering at CFA if I’d ever consider firefighting, the answer would be a quick and certain absolutely not, look at the size of me,” Jasmin said.
“The best thing I’ve learnt is that anyone can be helpful, and anyone can join if they’re willing to learn. It’s not always about physicality – my sister and I are both quite small, and I originally thought we would struggle, but that’s not the case at all.”
Graduating from general firefighter training in January this year and low structure in July, Jasmin has now attended over 50 turnouts, learned a range of new skills and assisted her brigade wherever she can.
“As a rookie, I’m conscious of ensuring that I make the extra effort to contribute to my brigade and learn as much as I can, especially when so many of them are willing to step in and help everyone around them,” Jasmin said.
“My brigade has been really welcoming and generous with their time and knowledge. It couldn’t have been a better experience.”
Jasmin’s dedication to the brigade has not gone unnoticed, with her being awarded the Frank Stephenson Encouragement Award from the brigade management team at a recent awards night.
The award is named after the longest-serving captain at Ferntree Gully and is traditionally given to a newer member who has contributed to the brigade in a few different spheres of activity.
Jasmin would encourage others to give volunteering a go, just as she has.
“There’s responding to fire calls, but there’s so much more that you can get involved in like fundraising and community safety. You’ll learn a lot about yourself, and it’s a good reminder about how adaptable and resilient you are as a person. I think your sense of that can get a bit lost in day-to-day life.”
“More broadly, it’s a great way to connect with your local community and meet people who you might not have crossed paths with. I am proud to be part of my brigade and am so glad I took the chance to step out of my comfort zone.”
If you’re interested in joining CFA or learning more about volunteering, head to www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteer to ‘Give Us Hand’.
