CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
Tailem Bend CFS Brigade
invite members of our
community to contribute, learn and grow
We need your help
NOW!
We all expect that if
we need help we can make a call and it will come….
But if your house
catches fire….if you are trapped in a road accident …..who comes when you make
that call?
SOME COMMON QUESTIONS ANSWERED:
So
what IS the CFS?
The
CFS is the legislated body that deals with fires and other emergencies in
country areas. It’s paid staff support and manage Brigades and volunteers to do
this.
What
kind of commitment is expected of volunteer members?
All our members have varying levels of time to commit to
their volunteer duties. It is expected that family, work and other commitments
would have priority. After an initial basic training course totalling
approximately three days it is necessary to attend Brigade training regularly
enough to keep skills current. Attendance at emergency incidents is based
solely on when members are available. The more volunteers we have the less the
load is on everyone!
What
kinds of incidents do you attend?
Our
community volunteer Brigade responds to any emergency that we have the
resources to assist with. We not only deal with rural fires, we are equipped
with breathing apparatus to combat structural, industrial and vehicle fires. We
also carry a full complement of road accident rescue equipment to extricate
entrapped persons in vehicle accidents. We also respond to flood, salvage,
search and other emergencies.
I’m
not sure about attending accidents; do I have to?
Many
potential recruits express concern about attending motor vehicle accidents.
Unfortunately while vehicle accidents continue to keep us busy there are many
roles for responding members to play that will ensure that you are kept well
away from an accident scene.
What
kinds of roles can members play?
There
are many different ways in which members can contribute to the Brigade from
firefighting, rescue operating, communications, administration, logistics,
fundraising an probably some we haven’t even thought of yet!
What
equipment is provided?
You
will be issued the equipment necessary, such as protective pants and coat,
gloves, helmet, boots and pager. This is for your personal use but remains the
property of the Brigade.
What
training is involved?
Once
you are accepted as a new member you will complete a Basic Fire Fighting
Course. This combined with regular Brigade training will give you the knowledge
necessary to attend incidents under supervision. After some experience there
are many, many specialised courses that you may complete as diverse as Road
Crash Rescue, Leadership and Workplace Assessor.
What
can I gain from joining?
Some
of our members, past and present have gained self confidence, satisfaction,
improved their employment prospects, received nationally recognised training,
heavy vehicle drivers licences and created friendships and bonds across the
state.
Do
you travel away from the area?
From
time to time the Brigade will respond resources and personnel to large fires
some distances away, even on occasions interstate. Personnel involved must meet
training and experience requirements.
How
do I join?
The
first step is to fill out an application form and police clearance request. The
results of the police check are completely confidential and returned directly
to the applicant. When you receive the results of your police check the Brigade
can consider your membership at their next meeting.
Want to find out more?
We’d
love to meet you and answer your questions in person. Call into the station in
the main street opposite the police station from 7:30pm Thursdays or Sundays at
2pm and one of our members will be pleased to show you around.
Volunteering Information (SACFS Website)