WE REALLY NEED SOME TRUCK DRIVERS

WE REALLY NEED SOME TRUCK DRIVERS

Our Brigade has recently lost some of our truck drivers, including some of our more experienced members. All have left the Macedon Ranges area, and this has left us a little short on good truck drivers.

Whilst we still have a group of very good drivers, it would be great to have a few more so that we can spread the load. Our drivers are among our most important volunteers, as without them we would not be able to turn out.

If you have a Medium Rigid or above truck licence you can provide a valuable service to our community by joining the Woodend CFA. You will join our team of drivers who are required to ensure that our two tankers and pumper are able to turn out.

You will need undertake minimum skills training, which the Brigade will help fast track to ensure that you are operational as soon as possible. You will also need to undertake some additional training to ensure you are able to drive the trucks in emergency (lights and sirens) and bush conditions.

If you have a Medium Rigid or above truck licence please contact the Woodend Fire Brigade on the numbers listed at the end of this article.

WOODEND CFA – 100% VOLUNTEERS

With all of the recent media coverage on the future of CFA volunteers, we were amazed at some of the misconceptions that were held within the Woodend and surrounding communities.

We were staggered to hear that some people believed that there were permanent paid firefighters at the Woodend Fire Brigade. This is not true. The Brigade is 100% volunteers. The nearest CFA Brigades with permanent fire fighters are Sunbury, Caroline Springs and Melton.

Further to that people thought that the Captain and Lieutenants were receiving wages. Not true. Not one volunteer in the Woodend Fire Brigade receives or has received any payment of wages for the time they give to their CFA duties.

We also heard that we were reimbursed if we turned out to an incident. Again, not true.

We are all volunteers who do what we do to provide an important service to our community. As do all members of CFA brigades in the Macedon Ranges, and CFA volunteer brigades throughout the state. And, the same applies to SES volunteers.

There are more than 40 operative fire fighters in the Woodend CFA, and we all give up our time, some of it considerable for some members, totally free. There are also many others who volunteer their time and services for various brigade and community work, also totally free. But all very rewarding.

MAKE SOME SAFE MISTAKES AT HOME TO AVOID COSTLY ONES

On average, there are 3,000 house fires in Victoria. Most could be prevented by taking simple precautions.

CFA and MFB have launched a new campaign to help raise awareness of the little mistakes people can make which may lead to a home fire. They’ve created the Safe Mistake Zone. Visit the CFA website to find out more.

Here you will find lots of useful information about appliances and places that will be found in nearly every home, and the dangers that they can present in winter. For example, candles, heaters, open fires, electric blankets, bedrooms, kitchen and laundry.

And above all else, make sure your smoke alarm is working.

For further information contact Captain Mick Christie on 0419 870 601 or 1st Lieutenant Mike Dornau on 0409 093 935, call the Woodend CFA on 5427 2356, visit the station in Urquhart Street or our website: www.woodendcfa.org. You can also be our friend on Facebook.

The Woodend CFA is a volunteer emergency service, committed to Creating a Safer Community.

Submitted by 1st Lieutenant Mike Dornau, Woodend CFA