More than 30 CFA senior volunteers from the west of the state came together for a hot fire training session at CFA’s Central Highlands Training Campus on Sunday 20 September.
The development day with District 15 Group Officers and Deputy Group Officers focused on strengthening operational skills, building relationships across groups and preparing leaders to work together ahead of the upcoming fire season.
The training also brought District 15 Headquarters Brigade members, instructors and staff together, with over 50 people participating overall.
Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Tony Field said the training day was developed following an After Action Review (AAR) stemming from last fire season, which identified opportunities to strengthen connections and skills across the district.
“We saw it as a good opportunity for people to get together, mix between groups, do some networking and undertake some skills maintenance on the pad,” Tony said.
“Everyone got something from it, and it was good development ahead of the upcoming season.”
Participants undertook practical hot fire exercises while working alongside peers from other groups and District 15 Headquarters Brigade.
Grenville Group Officer Greg Parker said building relationships before summer was an important part of the day.
“Bringing together groups from across District 15 allows us to learn each other’s skills and brings together people who may not necessarily have worked together previously,” Greg said.
“Once we get to the fire season, it means we already know people from adjoining groups and from across District 15.
“There have been some changes across groups in District 15, so it’s allowed me to meet people and learn where they’re from as well.
“It’s been a good initiative that came from last season and has brought everyone together to look at the commitments that were made following the last fire season.”
