CFA Celebrates Youth Fest

CFA's youngest first lieutenant, Brodie Hanks is one of the many youths CFA is celebrating this youth fest.

The now 18-year-old Brodie joined Jancourt Fire Brigade when he was 16, signing up on his birthday, unable to wait any longer.

"I was elected to the role of first lieutenant in July when I was 17 and I am working hard to pursue becoming a career firefighter," he said.

"CFA has given me a place to explore something I am passionate about as well as giving me lifelong friends and skills."

Brodie has been on multiple strike teams and was even deployed to the Grampians fires earlier this year to assist with community engagement.

"I loved being able to reassure and help those people who were going through a really stressful time," he said.

Closer to home, Brodie attends all the call-outs he can, not missing one in his first year of being a volunteer.

"It is nice to be able to be there for your community in those moments," he said.

"Occasionally I have had to put my gear on over my school uniform, but I just love it."

Brodie said being part of CFA is a great opportunity for all young people.

"Everyone gets around each other, it is such a supportive environment, it looks great on a resume, and you have a lot of fun," he said

In the state's south east young people recently gathered at the Victorian Emergency Management Training Centre (VEMTC) to participate in a training day specifically for them.  

Throughout the session participants took part in activities to improve their leadership and radio skills, they learned to use thermal imaging cameras in search and rescue, had a chance to try breathing apparatus gear, and took part in a live fire drill.  

Sam Galvin from Gembrook Fire Brigade said they loved being a part of CFA and believed it was a great place to develop a sense of self as a young person.  

"It is such an important opportunity that CFA has created for us," Sam said.  

"It is a chance to develop our skills as young people, to network and to build our confidence for our role in the future of CFA."

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said CFA welcomed all young people and youth fest was a great chance to celebrate the wonderful contribution they make.  

"CFA is full of incredible youth that bring enthusiasm and new perspectives to their brigades," he said.   

"I believe we offer a place where the youth in our communities are valued and supported to use their voices. 

"They are the future of CFA and our aim is to empower them to take on any role and give them as many opportunities as we can."

To be an active member of CFA you must be 16 years old however, to find out about options for those aged 11-15 please visit: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteers-careers/volunteer-with-cfa/junior-volunteers