Volunteers to share their knowledge

One of the key messages from the poster is that volunteers can train other volunteers - not all training has to be delivered by CFA staff.

“As the poster says; brigade level and local training can and should, where possible, be delivered by local people,” said Lex de Man, Executive Director of Operational Training & Volunteerism at CFA.

“This includes skills maintenance, one-on-one practice, crew practice, familiarisation and awareness sessions and on-the-job coaching”.

“CFA is one of the largest volunteer-based emergency service organisations in the world; and with more than 60,000 members, has significant training programs to meet the preparedness and response needs of the community.

“Training can be carried out by any brigade member who is recognised by the Brigade Management Team as an experienced member with the knowledge, skills and attributes required to help maintain the important skills volunteers need.”

“If there is a need for formal competency training and assessment – then this can be undertaken by suitably qualified and experienced brigade personnel,” Mr de Man said.

CFA depends on the strength and commitment of volunteer members to remain viable and ongoing and high-level training is just another way for CFA to provide practical and effective support to volunteers.

All volunteers are urged to read the new training poster being distributed to their brigade.

“CFA recognises the commitment of its volunteers and will continue to nurture and encourage volunteers as well as work to facilitate and develop their skills and competencies,” Mr de Man said.

“Skills maintenance is critical in fulfilling our mission of protecting lives and property and our vision of working together with communities to keep Victorians safe from fire and other emergencies.”

The initiative is in line with some key themes identified by the Jones Inquiry into CFA’s arrangements with its volunteers, conducted last year.

Download a PDF version of the poster - 605kb (members only access via Brigades Online).