Inspire Me

Real life stories from FFWA members.
Our FFWA Members tell stories of how they came to join up, and some of the interesting things that they’ve done since joining.

Read on and be inspired!

Tina’s Story

When I first came into a station, it was because my hubbie had joined.  I thought I was just going to make cups of tea and otherwise be supportive, but what I was told that first day changed my mind, and I’m very glad it did.

What I was told was that you can never tell who will be a good firefighter, whether it be a big strong bloke like my tall mate, Pierre, or a little lady like me.

I figured I’d do the basic training and, if nothing else, I’d know what I needed to make me a better supporter, but since then I’ve been to nearly thirty active turn-outs in three years.

I’ve learned so much about myself, and about working with other people, and I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever had.  Oh, and it’s lovely to always be have something interesting to talk to my husband about!

We’re now in a Bushfire Brigade AND a Communications Brigade and we like both for different reasons.

Niamh’s Story

I joined my local Fire and Rescue brigade around 5 years ago; I have always grown up around Bush Fire brigades. I helped out at the station on Saturdays making cups of tea for everybody even if they didn’t want one.

When I turned 12 I wanted to do something more so Dad started a Cadet unit with Mundaring volunteer Fire and Rescue. My mates and I got to learn so much more and got to experience new things. The cadet program is still running successfully today.

This year I became a probationary Firefighter after 5 years. I absolutely love being a part of the Fire and Rescue. The brigade is like a family, the camaraderie and support is amazing. I feel comfortable to be able to learn new things and practice my skills while being supported and encouraged.

Heather’s Story

I live in an ESL area under the hills of Darlington and we’re very aware of bush fires in the summer.  In fact one weekend we were in the pool and saw the flames coming down Coulston Road (National Park) hill up the road from us.  That was a particularly bad one as it crossed the bitumen road and burnt out some vacant crown land at the back of our place.  My compost heap was on fire but the smoke got to us and all our neighbours – we should have gone to the hospital after it was over.

That was my first introduction to helitacs and the amazing explicit accuracy of where they drop their load.  Marvellous pilots.

My girlfriend and I decided to find out the number of the local brigade – rang them and decided to go to their next meeting.  We thought that we could at least make sandwiches for them when they go out to fight a fire.

We rocked up with our make-up on and big handbags and sat down the back and we were stared at.  We thought we should listen but of course I had to speak up and thank everyone for their efforts for the fire as mentioned above – and that broke the ice.  To cut a long story short I have never made a sandwich yet and I have been a member now for 8 years – I may have cooked and sold a few sausages over those years and made some fabulous friendships – I have been Secretary – Treasurer – Lieutenant and still enjoy everyone’s company.  The camaraderie is amazing.  I also am involved in the Mundaring Fire Fighters School committee and I assist in organising a few of the initial courses.

After the Parkerville Fire I was on a night crew and it was the most eerie place – no sound – no rabbits – no cars – I would liken it to the moon.  But why did the fire raze one house and leave the next door still standing?

I still really enjoy the Saturday Scheds when our team is on duty and I can get my radio voice on – the way we work as a whole team and that someone always has your back – and really enjoy our monthly meetings and gatherings and will do so for a long time yet.