A few new faces have risen through the ranks of Northern Victorian firefighters, bringing their experience from overseas into Wyuna.
The Wyuna CFA brigade recently welcomed four new volunteers from the Philippines, breathing a new life into the unit.
Situated midway between Shepparton and Echuca, the brigade serves a population of 262 people and responds to about 40 callouts yearly, mainly attending grass and bushfires, as well as road accidents along the Murray Valley Hwy.
New Filipino members Carlbyrd ‘Carl' Cabaraban and Francis Cueva are embracing the Wyuna lifestyle, already feeling at home in the welcoming countryside community.
They, and two other Filipino volunteers, trained and joined the CFA to involve themselves in the community.
Mr Cabaraban shared his motivation for joining CFA.
“There is a huge culture of volunteerism in the Philippines, just like here in Australia, and it’s a value I try to pass along to my children,” he said.
“I volunteered for Caritas Philippines for 12 years before moving here, so volunteering in my community is something I have always done.”
Mr Cabaraban said he was thankful to the team for encouraging them in their training to join the brigade.
“Since joining CFA the brigade, our captain and the entire leadership team have been very accommodating and empowering in terms of pushing us to finish the training and be part of the brigade.
“It was a very heart-warming and accepting experience when we finished our training, and everyone has been very welcoming to us.
“We consider this our new home already.”
Another new member, Mr Cueva, expressed gratitude for the community’s acceptance.
“When my family first came in 2009, there weren't many other Filipinos here compared to now. But the community are very accepting and welcomed us. We’re very thankful.”
Mr Cueva emphasised that joining the CFA was their way of reciprocating the community’s generous welcome, fostering a cycle of goodwill.
“Being a member with CFA is a good way to give back to the community, particularly as an immigrant who has been welcomed here,” he said.
Wyuna CFA unit captain Harold Montgomery stressed the importance of recruiting new members.
“We have about 20 members on the books, but a few of them are in their 70s now,” he said.
“A while back we gave out two 50 years’ service, and one 55 years’ service medals, so it’s important that we can get new recruits while we still have these experienced members who can pass along that knowledge.”
Regional and rural fire brigades are actively seeking volunteers, with a particular focus on recruiting daytime responders and younger members to bolster their ranks.
In the past year, 55 per cent of new CFA recruits were between 18 and 44.
For more information about volunteering with CFA, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteer or email cfamedia@cfa.vic.gov.au