Come on, don’t be shy – be a hero and volunteer with the fire service

There’s one thing everyone can do to help firefighters in the wake of the state’s bushfire crisis.

From left, Andrew Melton, brigade chief of Upper Huon Fire Brigade, Natasha Joyce, a firefighter for the Dover Fire Brigade, Amelia Franklin, 2nd officer of Geeveston Fire Brigade, and David Cameron, group officer of Esperance and Southport Fire Brigade. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

THERE’S one thing everyone can do to help firefighters in the wake of the state’s bushfire crisis — volunteer.

Brigades across southern Tasmania are in desperate need of new recruits and could easily take on at least 10 members each.

From Kingston to Margate, Grove to Franklin, Upper Huon to Geeveston and as far south as Dover and Southport, all 23 brigades in the South-West district, and many more from across the state helped protect the Huon Valley over the past month.

Geeveston brigade chief Steven Franklin started in the station’s junior program more than 13 years ago.

His wife Amelia is also a volunteer firefighter.

“Volunteering is the best help anyone can give,” he said. “I volunteered because I’ve always had a passion for firefighting and to help give back to the community.”

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Dover volunteer Natasha Joyce said the brigade was like a family as well.

“We support each other, we look after each other and you’re always ready for that pager to go off,” she said.

“It always feels good when we’re able to help someone. If we save a house or save a life, it’s amazing.”

Upper Huon brigade chief Andrew Melton said it wasn’t all about fighting fires.

“There’s a lot of community engagement involved, from delivering Santa to the local carols or lolly runs at Christmas, to just being involved in local events during the year,” he said.

“It’s a very worthwhile lifestyle choice.”

The Geeveston brigade averages about 80 call outs each year — they’ve already had 47 this year — for car accidents, rescues, emergency medicals, and house and car fires.

People can also volunteer in a non-firefighting capacity in community liaison and radio communications roles.

“We don’t want to scare people off, you don’t have to go out and fight the fires, we’d love it if you did, but also we need volunteers in other areas,” Ms Joyce said.

Franklin brigade chief and Huon group officer Craig Walker said it was about helping the community.

“We want to make sure everyone is safe, that’s what it’s all about,” he said.

Huon Valley Mayor Bec Enders said it would be a “fantastic gift from the public to have more firefighting volunteers”.

Tasmania Fire Service has about 5000 volunteers at more than 230 stations.

Those wanting to volunteer in the South can call 6230 8400 or email [e-mail].