The Country Fire Authority recently added another happy group of volunteer firefighters to its local ranks.
Last month, 16 new recruit members came together from Castlemaine, Newstead, Maldon, Fryerstown, Huntly, Talbot, Guildford, Bullengarook and Wareek Bung Bong brigades to finally complete their practical general firefighter assessments at the Castlemaine Fire Station.
For some it was a family affair, with three members of the Chaney family from Newstead, along with two members from McClellend clan – also from Newstead – adding to the operational members of the Newstead and District brigade.
New recruit Scott Chaney said they were proud to join the brigade’s ranks.
“Being relatively new arrivals to the Newstead district we felt it is important to support our community whenever it’s in strife,” Scott said.
“I also wanted to learn as much as possible about fire preparation, fire behaviour and the various combating methods.”
Another recruit said the course provided great life skills, and that the training and wisdom imparted by the experienced instructors during the sessions was excellent.
– Words and image by Christopher Simmins, CFA News and Media; VTA.
