A CFA-trained brigade of volunteers is spreading the fire-safety message far and wide, writes COLIN TAYLOR
A Diverse group of volunteers, fired by a common passion for changing people's lives, has created a model for community fire education which has won admiration statewide.
The Community Education Group in CFA's Loddon Mallee Region is a stand-out in Victoria, and uses its imaginative approach to spread the fire safety message in kindergartens, senior citizens' centres and everywhere in between.
The team came together in 1999, after a meeting was called at the CFA's Northern District Training Ground at Huntly for "interested brigade personnel".
Today, there are 16 members, all of whom are trained by the CFA.
The new group formalised what many volunteers were already doing in their respective areas, with initial financial support provided by individual brigades.
Foundation member Bill Bowery, of Kangaroo Flat, said their first event was at Bendigo showgrounds.
"We were in a chook shed and they had to buy a blower vac to blow the chook poo out," Bill said. "Then a local carpet company gave us some off-cuts."
Group chairman Ken Deveraux, also of Kangaroo Flat and another founding member, said the role of the group was not to run events, but to support brigade and community activities.
Driver's seat: Rachel Rogers gets in to the spirit of a CFA display.
The main goal, Ken said, was to educate people on prevention, preparedness and safety.
The group holds about 35 events a year and members will go anywhere they're asked.
The two major efforts each year are the Safety Awareness Field Education (SAFE) program and Elmore field days.
SAFE, primarily for year 3-4 students, will run in Mildura, Bendigo and Swan Hill this year. It has reached more than 15,000 children in seven years.
Besides Elmore, the group takes part in the Taradale Mineral Springs Festival, Rochester Farm and Road Safety Day, Bendigo Leisurefest, Bendigo Show, Kyneton Show and the state firefighting championships, as well as a range of community events and displays.
Volunteers have even been known to visit caravan parks.
"We don't preach to people about anything," Bill said. "As you talk to them, you just bring in your points."
The group has built up a range of visual aids to help audiences remember the lessons - a small stove, film clips, old fire extinguishers, a clothing rack, heater and blown extension cord.
At Elmore, members have used a 1940s tractor and historic truck to attract attention and, this year, will have the use of a 1891 horse-drawn Shand Mason fire ladder restored by Bendigo enthusiasts.
They also have a cubby house, to illustrate fire dangers around the home, and a pine "smoke house", which is transported in a covered trailer and assembled on-site.
Last month the group won a special incentive grant of $2000 in the Victorian Fire Awareness Awards.
This money, added to $2000 from the City of Greater Bendigo means group member Dunolly brigade captain Alan Gale can build a permanent smoke house mounted on a trailer.
Paul Tangey, community education co-ordinator for District 2 in the Loddon Mallee region and the volunteer group's co-ordinator, said the team represented "a new face of the CFA".
"There are 210 brigades in the Loddon-Mallee region and, of those, only two are manned 24/7 - Bendigo and Mildura," Paul said.
"This is a great way of supporting our volunteer brigades. Having these people as back-up is just marvellous."
Volunteer Wendy Anderson, of Romsey, said fire prevention was the group's focus.
"Training to put the wet stuff on the red stuff is going to become the past of the CFA," Wendy said. The group meets monthly in Long Gully, Bendigo.
- Phone Paul Tangey on (03) 5430 2200.
