VICTORIA. — CFA has been recognised for its statewide volunteer-led community preparedness communication platform, the Mobile Engagement Unit (MEU), that helps Victorians prepare for bushfire risk.
CFA proudly received the Excellence in Community Engagement Award at the Emergency Media and Public Affairs (EMPA) Conference on Wednesday, May 27 in Brisbane for the impressive MEUs that are strategically placed around Victoria.
Additionally, CFA was acknowledged as the People’s Choice Award winner by the 130 conference delegates, following a passionate presentation that showcased the impact and value of the MEUs in the Victorian community.
The cost-effective, versatile, quick-to-deploy minivan has been custom-designed and built by volunteers – for volunteer use. They are powered by solar, equipped with a large in-built TV screen, and fitted with trestle tables, drawers, a fridge and charging capabilities to ensure fire safety education, recruitment and community preparedness can be delivered.
The mobility of the vehicle means volunteers can quickly reach remote communities to engage with residents, form stronger connections, share knowledge and promote preparedness.
CFA Manager Community Engagement & Program Development Paul Harris, said Victorian bushfire-prone communities are often the hardest to reach, so CFA sought to change that.
“Remote communities most at risk of bushfires have no infrastructure, no meeting spaces, often no power or signal and have very little access to trusted information when they need it most,” Paul said.
“That was a problem we wanted to solve, so we changed the way we communicated.
“The MEU isn’t just a vehicle; it is a structural shift in how emergency communication is delivered. We’re not just delivering information, we’re enabling conversations.
“They allow us to reach both travellers and visitors, connect dispersed communities face to face and provide incident information when it matters most. Plus, educate on a broad range of subjects to mitigate and prevent bushfire impact – such as how to create a bushfire plan or emergency kit.
“We can provide live mapping, VicEmergency App support, digital access, independent communications when networks are down and support during response and recovery.”
Eight MEUs operated by local brigade’s travel across Victoria taking trusted information directly to communities, and are formally based in Ararat, Bendigo, Shepparton, Diamond Creek, Sale, Dandenong, Geelong and Hamilton.
Between 2022 and 2025, the MEUs travelled 771 times, interacting with more than 70,900 community members across coastal, rural, peri-urban, alpine and forested areas – including key tourism corridors.
The multi-coloured, vibrant exterior has been designed to standout when based in a local town.
“During the Grampians fires of 2024-2025, we parked an MEU in the popular rural town of Dadswell’s Bridge to support travellers moving through a potential impact corridor,” Paul said.
“There were many anxious people and tourists passing through, but they were able to charge their phones, check maps, speak directly with CFA members and gain reassurance in real time.
“The vehicle became a place to get information, to ask questions and to feel supported.
Paul said these achievements would not have been possible without the commitment of CFA’s Community Engagement Coordinators and volunteers across the state.
“Our CFA members and community engagement staff continue to make the MEU’s an integral part of our service delivery and community preparedness efforts,” Paul said.
“Acknowledgement must also go to Project Manager Craig Hearson for his outstanding contribution, leading the design and consultation process with regional stakeholders to ensure the development and implementation of the MEUs met the needs of both volunteers and communities.
“Our fleet team played a pivotal role in expertly managing the fabrication and customisation of the MEUs.”
