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After a successful summer, CFA's 'Vols on Hols' program will continue throughout the Easter school holidays to ensure popular holiday towns have the fire response coverage they need.
The Vols on Hols pilot program successfully extended across southern parts of the state this summer, enhancing the capacity for volunteers to respond to emergencies in the peak season.
It has been running every year since it started in Mallacoota in 2023, with a further eight locations added to the initiative to boost community safety.
The program aims to add more boots on the ground, engaging with brigade members who are willing and able to assist while on holiday in the area.
The program now includes Mallacoota, Toorloo, Omeo, Metung and Marlo in CFA's District 11 and in Seaspray, Port Albert, Dargo and Licola in CFA's District 10.
The locations have been chosen as they are tourist hot spots over holiday periods and long weekends, with their populations swelling to thousands more than their normal size.
Drew Stockton, who regularly volunteers out of Edithvale Fire Brigade has been participating in the 'Vols on Hols' program with Mallacoota Fire Brigade for three years since it launched and said he loves being able to be there for the community he holidays in.
"We have been holidaying in Mallacoota for about ten years," Drew said.
"I would like to know that if something were to happen, then I could be there to help.
"I could assist given my skills and experience as a CFA Firefighter, regardless of whether I'm on holiday."
"It's of course everyone's choice if they take part, but this program makes it easier to just bring your gear along and step into that operational role if you're needed," Drew said.
Deputy Chief Officer for the South East region Trevor Owen said the program has provided a capacity boost to towns across the region when they need it most.
"These places are dealing with large numbers of visitors and combined with the challenging conditions it is good to know we have that increased capacity," Trevor said.
"The year‑round appeal of areas like Gippsland, attracts people for a wide range of outdoor and environmental tourism opportunities across all seasons
"We completely understand our volunteers are on holidays to spend valuable time with their families, fishing, boating or other recreational activities, but we also know the nature of our members is that they want to help and want to assist the local CFA brigade if they are in town.
"Any of the brigades in the program would appreciate the extra hands during the busy parts of the year."
