VFBV

International Volunteer Day is held each year on 5 December, as a chance for volunteers and organisations to celebrate their efforts, share their values and promote their work. International Volunteer Day is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly.

The 2020 theme for International Volunteer Day is Together We Can Through Volunteering. This theme is designed to highlight the impact and value of volunteers during 2020 while also dealing with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on both their personal lives and their volunteering experience.

CFA volunteers have demonstrated how well they can adapt to change over the years, and in 2020 they have shown this more than ever. From the devastating 2019/20 fire season, to adapting to changes required due to COVID-19 restrictions, moving to online meetings and training, implementing new protocols, ensuring that CFA was still available to respond to emergencies when called upon and preparing for the upcoming fire season. This year CFA volunteers have shown that Together We Can Through Volunteering to ensure that their communities are protected 24 hours a day seven days a week.  

Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) CEO Adam Barnett said the extraordinary summer fires across Victoria and eastern Australia earlier in the year highlighted the invaluable contribution of CFA volunteers.

“Our volunteers rose to meet this challenge both locally and across the country,” Mr Barnett said.

“The coronavirus has changed the way we live in recent months, but we shouldn’t forget the massive effort of volunteer firefighters not only last summer and the next - but every day of the year.”

This past summer was one of the most challenging ever for CFA volunteers who played critically important roles in New South Wales and Queensland as well as their home state.

“Our volunteers individually show great courage, ingenuity, stamina and compassion, while collectively they have the agility, expertise and experience to tackle the most daunting challenges.

“The culture of dedicated and selfless service is a proud Australian tradition. Every CFA volunteer deserves thanks and recognition for the work they do in building community resilience for a safer Victoria.

About VFBV: VFBV is established under the Country Fire Authority Act and is the peak body for CFA Volunteers in Victoria. VFBV works tirelessly to represent, advocate and support CFA volunteers to the CFA Board and management, governments, ministers, members of parliament, councils, instrumentalities, business and the public. Our vision is for Strong Volunteerism, Embraced to Build Community Resilience for a Safer Victoria.