Lang Lang brigade first lieutenant Scott Hamilton and Heath HillYannathan captain Calvin Coghlan.By Paul Dunlop
FIRE brigades at Lang Lang and Heath HillYannathan are looking for new volunteer firefighters.
CFA brigade support officer Chris Barber said recent changes in employment and lifestyle in the area had seen a number of the brigades’ most experienced fire fighters move out of the area.
More volunteers would be leaving within the next six months, he said, creating a need for recruits.
“In the style of a true country fire service both brigades are crewed entirely by communityminded volunteers who provide an invaluable service to protect their own property and lifestyles and that of their neighbours,” Mr Barber said.
Lang Lang Fire Brigade captain Mark McPherson said community spirit was the backbone of a country fire brigade.
“Without people taking responsibility for the protection of their own property and lives no country town would have a fire service. We need our community to stand up, pitch in and help us to help them,” Mr McPherson said.
Lang Lang has about 10 regularly active members and Heath HillYannathan has seven. Between the two brigades they attend about 80 emergencies per year.
These consist of a range of incidents including grass and scrub fires, house fires and car accidents.
Heath HillYannathan brigade captain Calvin Coghlan said it was hoped residents who have recently arrived in the area would consider joining the CFA.
“We are hoping some of our newcomers will be able to help out the brigade by volunteering some of their time.
“They may not know it, but they might ultimately be helping themselves,” he said.
CFA volunteers receive nationally recognised and accredited training which can also benefit them in their personal and professional lives.
Both fire brigades are holding open days at their individual fire stations on Sunday, 2 October from 10am to 2pm.
For anybody who would like to know more about becoming a volunteer fire fighter the brigades will also hold a joint information session on 7.30pm Tuesday, 11 October at the Lang Lang Fire Station.
Bayles, Koo Wee Rup and Upper Beaconsfield Fire Brigades are also looking for new recruits.
If you would like to know more contact brigade support officer Chris Barber on 0419 549 940.
