CFA is a volunteer-based organisation that works to protect the lives and properties of millions of Victorians. We have 54,000 members working in over 1,200 brigades across Victoria, ranging from small rural towns to outer metropolitan suburbs. Callouts at Hoppers Crossing Fire Brigade can vary between ten to thirty each month, adding up to roughly 360 calls a year.
Hoppers Crossing volunteers undertake a range of tasks such as fighting fires, training, logistics, auxiliary, running teams, fundraising, community education and engagement.
We work together to connect with and help others in the communities in which we live and work.
Check out the information below about the different volunteer role types. When you’re ready, read and complete the checklist to proceed to the Expression of Interest.
Volunteering Options
Firefighters (operational volunteers) respond to fire, road accidents and other incidents where risks are posed to life and/or property. Operational roles may also involve management of vegetation, fire equipment or assisting other emergency agencies.
Operational volunteers must:
- complete General Firefighter (GFF) training before attending incidents, which can take up to six months
- live or work close enough to be able to get to the brigade and the incident in a safe and timely manner. Pending on operational requirements, Hoppers Crossing may allow flexible options such as seasonal or surge volunteering – check with us directly.
- attend regular training sessions, brigade meetings and other brigade events
Many operational volunteers also undertake non-operational roles. More information on these roles can be found under ‘Support Volunteers’.
Support (non-operational) roles do not fight fires directly yet provide vital support to brigades.
Non-operational roles may vary between brigades but commonly include:
- Relationships, engagement and education across local communities
- Coordination of fundraising, campaigns, events and activities
- Media, promotion and publicity
- Administration, logistical and financial support
- Brigade auxiliary supporting culinary for operations and meetings
- Brigade training and equipment maintenance
- Brigade health and safety management
- Community education and preparedness
- Coordination of brigade meetings and representation of brigade in group meetings Junior leaders
Non-operational volunteers also attend brigade meetings and other brigade events.
CFA’s Junior Volunteer Development Program (JVDP) provides safe, enjoyable and fun activities for young people aged 11 to 15 years to help them become good fire safe citizens, develop and grow.
Activities can include:
- Practical firefighting drills
- Map reading and radio use
- First aid training
- Fundraising
- Fire and hazard awareness
- Community service
- Teamwork and leadership skills
- Brigade competitions and CFA Championships
All activities are supervised by a minimum of two Junior Leaders (adult volunteer brigade members) who hold a Working with Children Check.
Application Process
- Address – Only applicants within designated CFA areas are able to submit an expression of interest application.
Register an Expression of Interest – Provide basic details about yourself, your availability and your volunteering role preference. If we are not currently recruiting, your application will be added to a wait-list.
- Brigade Review – We will contact you directly to discuss your application and assess your suitability for membership.
- Working with Children Check – You will be required to obtain a Working with Children Check. This is free for volunteers.
- Police Check – You will be required to undertake a National Police History Record Check. There is no cost involved with this check.
- Membership – On successful submission of registration details and associated checks, Hoppers Crossing & CFA will make a final membership determination.
Expression of Interest
Here are a few things which are important for you to understand before you express your interest.
You acknowledge that you have read and understood the CFA privacy statement.
If you live or work in a CFA response area you can apply to join. If you are unsure, you will be able to search for your address when you proceed to the Expression of Interest.
Your application may be placed on a waiting list if we are currently not recruiting or only recruiting for certain roles.
A brigade representative will contact you to discuss your application in greater detail before joining. Depending on the time of year, this may take up to a few weeks.
- As part of the application process, you will be required to undertake police and medical checks.
If you are under 18 years old, you will be required to provide contact details for your parent/guardian/carer. CFA will make contact with your parent/guardian/carer regarding this expression of interest.
