IRYMPLE, VIC. — What binds Country Authority (CFA) members is the common goal of protecting lives and property. But they are a diverse bunch; every member has a story. Faces of the CFA introduces some of their stories.
What is your CFA role?
I am the brigade’s second lieutenant and training officer. I am also a VFBV delegate. I enjoy wearing a few different hats because it allows me to support our members in different ways, whether that’s developing their skills through training, representing our brigade or helping lead crews on the fireground.
Why did you join?
CFA has always been in my blood. My great-grandfather, pop and dad all dedicated many years to CFA and are well known throughout our local community. Growing up around the brigade, volunteering just felt like a natural path for me.
Today, I stay because of the passion I have for helping others, the lifelong friendships I’ve made and the experiences that CFA has given me. It has challenged me, built my confidence and given me opportunities that I never imagined when I first joined.
What incident has had the greatest impact on you?
Every incident has an impact, regardless of its size or type. Being someone’s best thing on the worst day of their life is something that stays with you. If I had to choose, my first major incident as the officer in charge stands out. It involved an eight-brigade response, which is very uncommon in the northwestern area of District 18. It was a huge learning experience and reinforced the importance of communication, leadership and teamwork.
More recently, I attended what began as a support role for a fast-moving grass and scrub fire on an extreme fire danger day. The incident escalated quickly, with houses becoming involved.
Watching the aerial firefighting bombers extinguish house fires was something you don’t see every day. The teamwork between the Sunraysia Group brigades that day was incredible, and it’s a reminder of how much worse the outcome could have been without everyone working together.
Who have been your mentors in CFA?
My biggest mentor has always been my dad. He has guided me throughout my CFA journey and encouraged me to back myself. I’ve also learned a great deal from our former captain and now fellow lieutenant, Steven Elms, and my husband Damian Munro, who is also a lieutenant at the brigade.
Between the three of them, they’ve continually encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, challenged me to grow and supported me through decisions both on and off the fireground. I’ve been fortunate to learn from people who lead by example, and I truly believe I’ve learned from the best.
What have been the highlights of your time in CFA?
One of the biggest highlights was meeting my husband through CFA. Another highlight has been earning the respect and confidence of fellow brigade members. Knowing that people trust me to help develop their skills and guide them to become better firefighters is something I’m incredibly proud of. Seeing members grow in confidence after training or gaining new qualifications is just as rewarding as responding to incidents.
How do you motivate your brigade members?
I like to keep training interesting by introducing new ideas and practical scenarios that challenge everyone. I also enjoy encouraging our more experienced members to embrace modern technology and new ways of training while still valuing the knowledge and experience they bring.
I believe everyone has something to learn and something to teach, regardless of how long they’ve been in CFA.
What lessons are you most keen to pass on to other members?
Never stop learning and never be afraid to ask questions. Every training night, every incident and every person you work alongside is an opportunity to learn something new. Back yourself, but always remember that firefighting is a team effort. Looking after each other, listening to those around you and continuing to build your skills will make you a better firefighter and a better leader.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Outside CFA, I’m a wife, mum to one with another little one on the way, a disability support worker and a Bachelor of Nursing student at La Trobe University.
Life is certainly busy, but whenever we get the chance, our family loves getting outdoors and spending time down by the river. Making memories together is what it’s all about, and it’s the perfect way to unwind after the demands of work, study and volunteering.
