CFS and SES Volunteer Charters signed

For the first time since 2013, the Country Fire Service and State Emergency Service Volunteer Charters were signed by Premier Peter Malinauskas, Emergency Services Minister Joe Szakacs and CFS, SES and SAFECOM representatives last week.

Nairne CFS firefighter and brigade president Richard Hirstle said the charter was very significant for the service moving forward.

"We don't have a union, instead we have a volunteers association - they have struggled for years to get this through," he said.

"Its sole purpose is to ensure everything that is proposed by the government or by CFS, that will affect volunteers, is consulted on by volunteers.

"They're our voice to government and our voice to the CFS, the charter is so important because it legislates our rights as volunteers."

With the signing also coinciding with Volunteers Week, Mr Hirstle said it was a timely occasion.

"I joined the CFS 20 years ago when I first moved here from the UK," he said.

"I thought it would be a great way to get involved in the community and make friends while doing something useful - it's one of the best decisions I've ever made.

"We don't do it for the notoriety, but weeks like this really show us how appreciated we are and we're always grateful for that."

Looking back on his 20 years in the service, Mr Hirstle said although there had been tough times, the role was more than worth it.

He said throughout his time he had seen countless heartbreaking scenes, but some other lighter events such as the quintessential firefighter job of cats stuck in trees and the more obscure cow stuck in a tree.

One that sticks out in his mind more than others was the Cuddlee Creek fire in 2019.

"Cuddlee Creek was probably the largest event I've attended in my time in the service and that was unlike anything I'd ever seen," he said.

"A bushfire is something you can't really comprehend until you come face to face with it, and that was the worst.

"Although it's never physically or mentally easy, we're there to help the community and when we leave an fire like Cuddlee Creek or a road rescue, we leave knowing we've made a real difference and that's what makes it all worth it."

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Like an volunteer organisation, the CFS is always looking for new people to put their hands up and help out according to Mr Hirstle.

"We're lucky at Nairne to have a big group of volunteers doing their part for the CFS," he said.

"Not all stations are that lucky though, so I would encourage anyone with the time and interest to look into volunteering in their local brigade.

"It's not a an easy role, but I wouldn't change a thing and it's the best way to give back to your community."