Message from CEO/Chief Officer Steve Warrington AFSM
Today (5 December) is International Volunteer Day, recognising volunteers worldwide for the contribution they make to their communities – in particular, the work they do to build resilient communities.
I am so proud to lead our organisation, which has many passionate volunteers who stand ready to protect the lives and properties of Victorians with commitment and dedication.
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Nearly 2.000 CFA members have been deployed in NSW. Photo by Mike Jansz
Today provides us with the opportunity to pay special thanks to our volunteers, as well as all the volunteers we live and work alongside every day.
Our volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds and walks of life, but they all play a crucial role in their communities and contribute to making CFA the fantastic organisation it is – one that continues to be held in upmost esteem, not only in Victoria, but across Australia.
We still have members in Queensland and NSW supporting their fellow agencies as they experience catastrophic fire conditions. Almost 2,000 CFA people have been deployed so far including as members of 13 strike teams. Many have gone on multiple deployments.
It is humbling to see the impact of your efforts and the phenomenal way members work together to achieve a common goal when called to action. Scroll down for a video celebrating our volunteers
The deployments haven’t meant our responsibilities at home have stopped; our people have continued to heed the call.
This was no more apparent than on our first Code Red day in 10 years when we had 2,000 firefighters and 300 trucks on the ground across the state – 500 of those firefighters working across four major fires.
I am so very proud of this collective response and I hope every one of our volunteers understand how truly valued they are, not only by CFA but by all Victorians.
I also thank the people and employers who support our volunteers so they can continue to provide our vital community service as well as support other states in their time of need.
Happy International Volunteer Day to all of our volunteers. Thank you for being a part of CFA.
And if you know of a volunteer who deserves to be recognised for their contribution to CFA please consider nominating them for a Spirit of CFA Award. Nominations are open until 3 January.
Be proud and stay safe.
The theme for this year’s International Volunteer Day is Volunteer for an Inclusive Future, highlighting how volunteers contribute to inclusion and reducing inequality.
