The Andrews Labor Government has launched a new campaign to significantly boost Victoria’s career firefighting numbers – particularly focused on recruiting women.
Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino joined Victoria’s fire-services chiefs today to officially launch the recruitment drive, which is part of the Labor Government’s push to hire 450 additional firefighters.
The recruitment campaign aims to increase diversity in the CFA and MFB, with a target to increase female firefighter numbers to 400 by 2021.
The advertising component of the campaign also emphasises the breadth of skills needed and importance of preparedness of Victoria’s career firefighters.
Since last year, CFA and MFB recruits have trained alongside each other in the joint 20-week training course at the Victorian Emergency Management Training Centre (VEMTC) in Craigieburn.
The course includes hose drills, hot fire training, responding to rescues and the management of hazardous materials.
Recruits are also trained in Emergency Medical Response, helping to protect more Victorians by responding to medical emergencies alongside Ambulance Victoria.
The joint training course ensures firefighters across the state have identical skills and knowledge, promoting interagency collaboration and a better service to the community.
Mr Merlino announced last month that a steering committee will be established to oversee initiatives to improve culture and diversity in the fire services.
For details on how to apply to be a firefighter, visit firefighter.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino
“A career as a Victorian firefighter is a career that is dedicated to saving lives and protecting communities.”
“Victoria’s training course is the best in the country, with recruits taught how to respond to emergencies in all types of circumstances and terrain.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020