By Casey Neill
New skills, friendly faces and an adrenaline rush – it’s all at Keysborough Fire Brigade.
The crew is recruiting volunteers for firefighting and support roles, and will host an information evening on Thursday 27 April.
It recently added seven recruits to bring its membership to about 25, but would like to increase that to 30.
Mark Baverstock, 31, is one of the newest members. He started training in October, and is now able to attend callouts.
“The whole team’s just made it really easy. They’re there to support you,” he said.
Wai Leong’s job requires him to work two weeks on, two weeks off.
“I generally have free time when I’m at home, and I wanted to do something constructive,” the 43-year-old said.
“I thought being part of the CFA would be a good way to be part of the community.”
Gillian Grigg joined alongside Mr Baverstock and Mr Leong.
“I’m a big believer in volunteer work, and wanted to try something different,” she said.
“I thought this would be a great way to meet local people.”
She’s learnt more than she thought she would and said the brigade’s teamwork and camaraderie made the time she’d devoted worthwhile.
“Don’t be afraid to have a go,” she said.
“We’re all from different backgrounds and ages and different fitness levels.”
Rocky Luong, 22, was also part of the latest recruit intake.
He was looking for a way to be productive when he wasn’t at university or his part-time job.
“I obviously thought helping out the community would be the best way to stay productive,” he said.
“I had a friend that volunteered for the CFA, but he lives in Mt Dandenong. He always talked about it.”
When Mr Luong spoke to the Journal, he’d just attended his first callout the previous night.
“I didn’t expect it to be this intense,” he said.
“Just knowing that there’s a lot more to learn keeps me here.”
Emmanuel Vella joined Keysborough Fire Brigade four years ago when he moved over from the northern suburbs to make friends and learn new skills.
The 40-year-old said he had a desk job outside the CFA “so I don’t get out much”.
“As soon as that pager goes off, it’s different every day,” he said.
“It’s a bit of the adrenaline rush too, which excites me.”
The recruitment evening will be held at Keysborough Fire Brigade, 121 Chapel Road, Keysborough, from 7.30pm to 9pm on Thursday 27 April.
Call Captain Paul Townsend on 0401 324 545 or email captain@keysboroughfirebrigade.com for more information.
