Your Expression of Interest (EOI) will be assessed by your nominated brigade. Find your nearest brigade. The outcomes of the assessment will be communicated to you via email.
If your EOI is successful, you will need to provide or complete the following as part of the registration process:
- If you are over 18, you must have a current Working with Children Check unless an exemption applies i.e. you are a Police Officer or Teacher.
- If you are 16 and over, undertake National Police Record Check via CFA’s service provider. This will be requested directly via email from our provider.
- Disclose any medical conditions that may impact your ability to undertake the role.
CFA expects all members to act in a manner which demonstrates a commitment to CFA Diversity and Inclusion policies, procedures and regulations.
*For optimal performance while using the Volunteer Recruitment Hub (below), we recommend using the latest version of either the Chrome or Edge browser.
APPLY NOW
Joining your local CFA is the most rewarding way you can give back to your local community. Our CFA members are dedicated and skilled and each volunteer makes a valuable contribution through the roles they perform.
CFA is focused on increasing the diversity of our membership and providing a range of opportunities and skill development to suit different skills and needs.
We're driven by our values and a commitment to inclusiveness and keeping our communities safe.
If you think this sounds like you, we invite you to apply to become a CFA Volunteer.
The application process
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Check your address
Only applicants within designated CFA areas are able to submit an expression of interest application.
CFA Brigade Review
The brigade will review your expression of interest application and contact you to discuss further.
Member Registration Application
If your expression of interest application is successful, CFA will send you an email with details on how to complete the online member registration application form.
As part of the CFA’s member registration requirements you will need to provide or complete the following:
- If you are 18 and over, you will need to enter a valid Working with Children (WWCC) reference or card number.
- If you don’t have a WWCC card, visit Service Victoria to apply. We encourage you to apply for a WWCC card before commencing the registration. (This is at no cost to applicants).
- If you are under 18, we will request consent from your parent/guardian (via email).
- A medical declaration. You must advise CFA if you have any of the disclosable medical conditions. If you do have a disclosable condition, you will be requested to have a medical assessment form completed by your treating medical practitioner. A blank medical assessment form will be sent to you via email once your application reaches the medical stage.
CFA Review
Your registration application will be reviewed by CFA.
Complete National Police Record Check
All applicants 16 years and older, are required to complete a National Police Record Check with our Service provider Fit2Work.
Fit2Work will send an email with details on how to log into the Fit2Work portal to complete the National Police Record Check.
Note: CFA can only accept National Police Record Checks which have been requested via the registration process. This is at no cost to applicants.
Medical assessment (if required)
The medical assessment form will be emailed to you once your application reaches the medical review stage.
This form needs to be completed by your treating medical practitioner and uploaded to the Volunteer Recruitment Hub.
Final CFA approval
Once the registration process has been completed, CFA District Assistant Chief Fire Officer will review and make a final decision on the application.
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Application FAQs
How do I apply to volunteer?
You first apply online by filling out an expression of interest form.
Once you have submitted your application, your local brigade will contact you regarding the next steps. Some brigades host information sessions for people interested in volunteering and some may require you to sit an interview.
Expressing your interest does not guarantee any positions will be available.
When are volunteers recruited?
All brigades are different and recruit volunteers when necessary for them.
Your local brigade may look for new volunteers year-round, or may have a waiting list for new volunteers to join. They may be recruiting for particular roles – such as secretaries or new firefighters who can respond at specific times.
Recruitment of new volunteers may be slowed or even put on hold during fire seasons.
What documentation will I need to provide as part of the registration application?
After you have been in contact with your local brigade and proceed to the application stage, the following information will need to be provided as part of registration.
- Current Working with Children Check (WWCC) card number or application reference number. This is provided as part of the initial registration form. If you don’t have a current WWCC card, applications can be made via Service Victoria website. A WWCC is only required for applicants aged 18 and older. We encourage you to obtain a WWCC prior to commencing the registration.
- Proof of identification to complete the National Police Record check with our service provider Fit2Work. You can view a list of required and accepted identification documents.
- A National Police Record Check is only required for applicants aged 16 and over.
- If you have a disclosable medical condition, you will be required to have a medical assessment completed by your treating medical practitioner. This is only required if you have a disclosable medical condition.
Will I need a working with children or police check?
- A current Working with Children Check is required for all applicants aged 18 and over. If you don’t have a WWCC card, visit Service Victoria to apply for one. We encourage applicants to apply for a WWCC card before commencing the registration.
- It is a requirement to have a WWCC to undertake roles that interact with young people, which may include Junior Leaders, Fire Safe Kids presenters and school programs.
- As part of CFA member registration, applicants aged 16 and older, must complete a National Police Record Check with CFA's provider Fit2Work.
- You will be provided with a link to your Police Check as a part of your application process. This is a free service for the applicant and must be completed via the Police Check issued by CFA/Fit2Work.
Will I need to sit an interview before I join?
Each brigade handles their recruitment process slightly differently. Some brigades conduct a formal interview before signing up new volunteers, while others have a more casual chat.
This is to ensure the brigade is a right fit for you and you are a right fit for what they are looking for.
I haven't been contacted about my interest in volunteering, should I submit another form?
No. It is not necessary to submit a second form if you have already submitted one. Some brigades only meet once a month and new applications need to be reviewed and voted on at brigade meetings.
If you haven't heard anything for a couple months, contact CFA at volrecruit@cfa.vic.gov.au.
How long will the process take to become a volunteer?
After you express your interest online, there are several steps that must be completed. Refer to the Application Process. Every individual application is different, and, in some cases, it could take a few months before you are accepted into a brigade. Some brigades only meet once a month and new applications need to be reviewed and voted on at brigade meetings.
Example of a recruitment process: (this can vary slightly depending on the brigade)
- Expression of interest are reviewed by Brigade
- Applicants invited to an information night and/or interview
- Applicant required to complete remainder of the application, including providing a current Working With Children Check (WWCC), completing a National Police Record Check with CFAs Service Provider, Fit2Work, and if needed, providing a medical report.
- Review of completed application.
- Successful members start a 6-month probation period.
- CFA induction
- General Firefighter training course is scheduled for firefighters (operational volunteers). Due to scheduling, this can be several months later and the training itself can take up to 3-6 months. New members cannot attend incidents until the relevant training has been completed.
What happens if I sign up but then find out it is not for me?
Ask as many questions as possible before you start to ensure you have a clear understanding of what volunteering for the brigade is like.
The first six months with CFA is a probationary period. Objectives of the probation period are to:
- establish a relationship between the individual and the brigade
- allow new members to decide if the brigade/CFA is the right fit for them
- confirm that a person will be a suitable member
- establish basic skills, knowledge and CFA awareness
- provide a period in which the individual’s progress is monitored and progressive feedback is received.
At any time during the probation period, a member on probation can resign.
Although there is no obligation to volunteer with CFA for a minimum period of time, we prefer to build our volunteers’ capability over a longer period of time by providing ongoing training and leadership development.
In some occasions shorter project opportunities are provided.
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Page last updated: Thursday, 14 March 2024 6:15:59 PM