Image: Geoff Little
At the foot of a world-renowned climbing destination, Natimuk Fire Brigade is continuing to build the specialist skills needed to respond when rescue is required.
With Mount Arapiles attracting climbers and visitors from across Australia and overseas, the brigade's high angle rope rescue capability plays an important role in supporting emergency response in the local area.
Natimuk is one of eight CFA brigades across Victoria with high angle rope rescue capability, alongside Wandin, Monbulk, Lakes Entrance, Apollo Bay, Hamilton, Portland and Oscar 1.
Brigade Captain David Sudholz said ongoing training was important for a brigade based so close to one of Australia's best-known climbing destinations.
"When you have Mount Arapiles on your doorstep, it makes sense for local firefighters to build and maintain these skills," David said.
"We have several world class climbers in our brigade, and our membership continues to grow, so having this capability is extremely important to us."
1st Lieutenant Geoff Little, who has been climbing both professionally and for leisure for decades, said the brigade's location meant members could be called to a wide range of incidents.
"Arapiles is obviously a major focus for us, but our members can also support responses across the broader region, including the Grampians, not to mention grass and structure fires and motor vehicle accidents" he said.
"Whether it's a local incident or someone visiting the area, our role is to be ready when we're needed."
"Our members know the roads, the access points and the terrain around Arapiles," Geoff said.
"That local knowledge matters when you're trying to reach someone quickly in a difficult location."
Geoff said the training helped members sharpen skills they may need in challenging rescue environments.
"The training is always a challenge, but we all understood why it was important given the environment we operate in," he said.
"Having these skills within the brigade is a real benefit for the community."
"Rescue jobs rely on teamwork, communication and everyone understanding their role," Geoff said.
"It's about making sure we can support each other and get the best outcome for the person who needs help."
Natimuk Fire Brigade is continuing to encourage locals interested in volunteering to get involved and learn more about the many roles available through CFA.
