Stuart Green
This International Day of People with Disability (3 December), CFA is recognising the important role people with disability play across our brigades and the broader community.
Seventeen per cent of Victorians live with a disability, of those 77% have a physical disability while eight in ten of those have an invisible disability. CFA encourages all Victorians to look beyond disability and focus on people's skills, lived experience and leadership.
Benalla Fire Brigade member Stuart Green has been part of CFA for more than 30 years. During that time, he has been involved in several large-scale firefighting and emergency operations.
Five years ago, Stuart was involved in a serious vehicle accident that left him requiring a wheelchair. Despite that, his commitment to serving his community never wavered.
"I can't be on the frontline anymore, but I can still help people," Stuart said.
"I've been getting more involved with the Local Command Facility (LCF) and the communications side of things, talking through jobs with the younger ones and supporting people after they've been to something tough.
"There's a lot you learn and a lot you can pass along after 30 years."
The LCF plays a crucial role during significant incidents, making Stuart's expertise especially valuable.
However, the site was built long before modern accessibility standards.
Recognising this, the brigade worked with CFA to explore accessibility improvements so that Stuart, and any other members with mobility challenges, can safely access areas of the building they need to use.
Benalla Fire Brigade Captain Charlie Sexton said the limitations were preventing the brigade from accessing Stuart's full skill set.
"Stuart was one of our most active members, and he has enormous knowledge to offer," he said.
"But without proper accessibility, we were unintentionally shutting him out of roles he could excel in. We want him involved and he wants to be involved."
Planned works include new ramps, compliant doorways, a touch-button automatic door, removal of carpet and an accessible parking space with an automatic gate.
CFA General Manager of Infrastructure and Environmental Services, Paul Santamaria said it's great to be able to support Stuart, and any other local members with mobility needs, to continue service.
"There is not a one size fits all solution when it comes to accessibility. However, for this project, CFA identified the unique need of the Benalla Local Command Facility to ensure Stuart and other members can safely access the building to fulfill their roles," Paul said.
Once works are complete, Stuart hopes to take on more operational support roles, including helping organise strike teams during major emergencies and mentoring newer firefighters.
"Following my accident, the brigade's support has meant everything. This is just my way of staying involved and giving back, he said.
"Being able to stay connected really keeps you going."
CFA Deputy Chief Officer Rohan Luke said Stuart's experience highlights the value of making CFA more accessible for all members.
"When we embrace accessibility, we gain diverse thinking, stronger teamwork and a deeper understanding of the people we serve," Rohan said.
"Our organisation is stronger when every member has the opportunity to contribute, and stories like Stuart's show why that commitment matters."
