Where is CFA Territory (in the metro area)?
What will it cost to become a member of CFA?
How many hours a week will I have to commit to?
Can I still volunteer if I have a full time job/kids at home?
Can women join?
Will being a volunteer give me an advantage when applying for a career position?
Do I have to be available 24/7?
How long will training last for?
What will training involve?
Are there any fitness/skill requirements?
What do volunteers do?
What is the age requirement?
What is the process for joining?
Can I be a volunteer only for major bushfires?
Are there any health restrictions? Asthma etc.
What benefits will there be for me?
If my brigade is called to an incident, does my employer have to let me go?
What compensation is payable to CFA volunteers who are injured?
How can I find out more about being a CFA volunteer?

Where is CFA Territory (in the metro area)?

CFA covers 60% of metropolitan Melbourne generally bordering the inner suburbs. Areas included in CFA’s area are Dandenong, Eltham, Bayswater, Caroline Springs and Greenvale.

What will it cost to become a member of CFA?

The only cost to become a CFA volunteer is your time. All training and equipment is provided by CFA as it is needed.

How many hours a week will I have to commit to?

The time commitment will depend on the individual Brigade and the type of role that you choose. Generally a Brigade will train weekly and hold meetings monthly, plus any incidents that occur.

Can I still volunteer if I have a full time job/kids at home?

Yes, most training is conducted on weeknights or weekends, and you can discuss with your local Brigade when you would be able to attend incidents.

Can women join?

Yes, definitely. Women are involved in all roles at CFA including firefighting, communications, training and community education.

Will being a volunteer give me an advantage when applying for a career position?

Both volunteers and non-volunteers are required to go through the same application process. If you are successful in obtaining a firefighter position, you will still need to complete the entire recruit training course. For more information see Career Firefighting

Do I have to be available 24/7?

No, you will be able to talk with your local Brigade to determine what your availability could be.

How long will training last for?

In your initial training you will learn all the basic skills and safety requirements to be able to commence attending incidents. Once you have completed this, you will have the opportunity to attend regular training with the Brigade, to maintain your skills and learn new ones. The first 6 months with the CFA is a probationary period.

What will training involve?

There are many different skills you can learn through CFA. The particular ones you learn will be relevant to the role you choose. They could include basic firefighting, fire safety awareness, endorsed truck licence, first aid, leadership training, communications, and other skills which will also be valuable in your employment and private life.

Training is conducted at the local Brigade, and at various training grounds around the state. Training times will differ between each Brigade, but are generally held on a weeknight or weekend.

Are there any fitness/skill requirements?

You do not need any prior skills before you join CFA, as all the training is provided. Firefighting will involve strenuous and physically challenging activities, so a certain level of fitness is required to undertake this role. You can discuss this with your local Brigade to determine your suitability for this role.

What do volunteers do?

CFA volunteers can be either operational (firefighter) or non-operational members. Some examples of non-operational activities are:

Community education programs
Fundraising activities
Brigade training
Brigade equipment maintenance
Media and public relations
Multicultural liaison
Brigade administration
Junior members program

What is the age requirement?

The minimum age to become a CFA member is 16 years (16 & 17 years olds will need parental consent), and some Brigades also run a Junior Program for 11-15 year olds.

What is the process for joining?

1. May involve an information session at the Brigade to find out more about what’s involved and see if there is a role suited for you.
2. May involve an informal/formal interview with the officers of the Brigade.
3. Fill out an application form & consent for police record check.
4. Your application will then be supported by the Brigade
5. Approved by Operations Manager

See also: Join Today

Can I be a volunteer only for major bushfires?

Brigades need members who are able to provide support and respond to incidents throughout the year, not just in times of major fires. Members are also required to be fully trained before attending any incidents.

Are there any health restrictions? Asthma etc.

CFA’s primary concern is for the safety and health of its volunteers. Brigades are responsible for ensuring that volunteers perform their role in a safe manner. CFA needs to know if a prospective volunteer has a condition which may place limitations on their role in the brigade. When CFA is aware of any limitations or restrictions that a person has, the brigade can then avoid placing the volunteer in an environment that is unsuited to their health. As such, a medical assessment may be required.

What benefits will there be for me?

CFA volunteers develop leadership and management capabilities, meet new friends, join in as a part of Victoria’s largest volunteer team, learn new skills, achieve personal goals, put something back into the community and often involve their whole family in CFA activities.

See also: Whats in it for you?

If my brigade is called to an incident, does my employer have to let me go?

Employers are not required to let employees go to attend incidents. CFA recommends that you and your employer should discuss and agree when release from its workplace is appropriate. It is also of value to yourself, to inform your employer of your involvement with CFA and how the training you are undertaking will benefit them. With regard to payment, time in lieu and the like, this again is an arrangement between yourself and your Employer.

What compensation is payable to CFA volunteers who are injured?

CFA provides very comprehensive insurance cover for medical, loss of wages and property damage.

How can I find out more about being a CFA volunteer?

See Join Today or approach your local brigade.