Two CFA volunteers from a rural town in Gippsland have featured in a BBC documentary recently, showcasing their pathway from junior to senior volunteer firefighters.
The documentary 'We Fight Fires' follows two adventurous teenagers who have volunteered to protect their community.
Their story is about friendship, courage and growing up in a changing world.
16 year-old Tallarah and 15 year-old Nico from Meeniyan and Stony Creek Fire Brigade are living in one of the world's most fire-prone landscapes. Both junior CFA members, the documentary takes you on their firefighting journey, with Tallarah completing the General Firefighter (GFF) course to become a senior operational firefighter.
Both volunteers inspired by family members who are CFA volunteers, who have fought some of the state's most challenging bushfires including the February 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.
Once Tallarah turned 16, she was eligible to become a senior firefighter, but she faced the challenges of completing GFF while balancing school, hobbies, friendships and family life.
Back in 2025, Tallarah submitted a video of herself to the production company Galore Productions, hoping to be selected for the documentary.
"My Mum told me about the opportunity that had been offered and it also gave me the push I needed to complete my General Firefighter qualifications," Tallarah said.
"It was an incredible experience getting to meet so many amazing people and learning from their experiences.
"Seeing the finished product felt so cool to see what my close friend and I could accomplish."
Tallarah's mum Iznaya Kennedy is a long-serving CFA volunteer and a proud parent and mentor throughout Tallarah's ambition in becoming an operational firefighter.
"There were times that Tallarah's confidence wavered, especially leading into the practical assessments for GFF," Iznaya said.
"I knew she was infinitely capable and that a crisis of confidence is necessary for someone to see how much they have learned and achieved once they clear a hurdle, in any situation.
"The degree of difficulty came from having her every stage documented, but pressure is what turns coal into diamonds.
"Her motivation, all along, is to be someone who is actively caring for community, so firefighting has been an easy 'grab' because of her family history, growing up by running tracks and in fire stations."
Meeniyan-Stony Creek Fire Brigade is looking forward to holding a screening of 'We Fight Fires' this Saturday, 29 August at 11am. Community members are welcome along.
The documentary can also be viewed on BBC iPlayer here.
