Junior Volunteers

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The Junior Volunteer Development Program (JVDP) provides safe, enjoyable and challenging activities for young people aged 11 to 15 years of age.

The Junior Volunteer Development Program (JVDP), also known as Juniors/Junior Brigade, runs in over 160 brigades across Victoria and aims to introduce young people 11-15 years to CFA by providing them with the opportunity to become good fire safe citizens while engaging them in activities that:

build their self-esteem and self-confidence.
develop their ability to manage personal and social relationships.
create learning opportunities and to develop new skills.
encourage positive group dynamics.
build the capacity of young people to consider risk, make reasoned decisions and take control.
develop a world view which widens horizons and nurtures social commitment.

Find out about the application process

JVDP Activities

Junior members DO NOT respond to emergencies, however, JVDP activities are usually conducted at the local fire station, but may also involve excursions, camps and championship activities. Whilst each local JVDP program looks different and reflects the needs and interest of the local brigade and community, all programs work to build the skills of junior members in 5 key areas:

Knowledge of CFA history and competition
Understanding volunteering and community service
Emergency response skills
Teamwork and leadership skills
Familiarisation with all hazard types.

Each junior brigade is delivered by a team of junior leaders; members of the brigade who are 18 years plus, who have taken on the responsibility for leading the juniors.

All junior leaders hold a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) and all junior brigade activities have a minimum of two registered Junior Leaders facilitating activities.

Australian Fire Cadet Championships

2023 Expressions of Interest: Now Open!

Junior Member Registration

Junior Leader Registration

Learn more about the AFCC on Facebook

The 2023 AFCC is a four-day championship-style event from 25/09-28/09 based in South West Sydney. It includes a combination of training, competition, formal functions, social activities and networking. Teams will compete in a variety of events, with CFA offered 12 spots for 14-15 year old Juniors, accompanied by 4 Junior Leaders, and one CFA staff member to fly up and compete.

The teams will leave Melbourne on Sunday 24th September (1 day before the Championships) and return Thursday 28th September 2023. CFA will be covering the cost of all flights, accommodation, meals and transport within New South Wales, however participants will be required to arrange their own transportation to and from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine).

Important Notes:

1. Junior Leaders are not required to attend if Juniors from their Brigades are selected. Even if you don't want to attend, please encourage your Juniors to sign up!

2. Applicants do not need championship or competition running experience, as all AFCC 2023 event activities are run to NSW RFS rules and are not aligned to current CFA championship events. Participants will have demonstration provided to them of all required events.

3. Required uniforms and materials will be provided to successful applicants.