RYE and Sorrento CFA crews have a long history of helping the community, but they now need help from the community.
The two brigades, which have been run by a group of dedicated volunteers for decades, say they urgently need more members.
To service areas from Cape Schanck to Portsea and “every corner of the state” when asked, the brigades are looking for volunteers in the Tootgarook, Rye, St Andrews, Blairgowrie, Sorrento and Portsea areas to join them.
“Essentially we need members that can turn-out on the trucks but any help is help and we don’t knock it back,” Rye 4th Lieutenant Adam O’Brien, said.
“We have found that once people get an idea of what it’s all about they feel more confident with the idea of facing emergency situations, and then find it hugely rewarding. Our philosophy is help when you can. We can discuss this more when we chat with them.”
The brigades’ primary focus is on operational response to many types of incidents, such as structure fires, bushfires, and transport-related fires and accidents. Other emergency activities may include flood assistance.
“There are also support roles that we could use assistance with,” Mr O’Brien said. “People don’t often realise that the skills they have from work or life are often highly regarded within a brigade.
Supporters are also invited to use their Facebook and social media pages to share the brigades’ posts. “They could like our posts and maybe even make our post their profile picture for a few weeks,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The advertising will run from 12 July for two weeks unless extended – we would love to go viral.
“It an idea that costs nothing but spreads the message to the local community.”
Follow the crews at @theryefirebrigade and @SorrentoFireBrigade
Details: Adam O’Brien 0447 316 463 or adam.obrien1@members.cfa.vic.gov.au for CFA activities at Tootgarook, Rye, St Andrews and Blairgowrie, or Michelle Croad 0408 103 723 for Blairgowrie, Sorrento and Portsea areas.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 13 July 2021
