Shire of Harvey recruits brigade volunteers with fire station open day

Future firefighters were welcomed in Harvey at the weekend with the local brigades opening their doors ahead of National Volunteer Week.

The Shire of Harvey hosted the open day for volunteer bush fire brigades on Saturday to recognise and encourage volunteers to the May 19 to 25 honour week.

Children were able to sit in the trucks and test out the sirens, as well as watch a fire drill and enjoy a lunchtime sausage sizzle.

Harvey shire president Michelle Campbell said the open day was an important event to help celebrate local heroes and attract more helpers.

“These volunteers not only give up time, but when they go out to a fire ground to protect us, they’re putting their lives on the line as well,” she said.

“We have to recognise that. If we can support them and improve the number of volunteers at each of our local bush fire brigades, that’s a great outcome.

“It’s an opportunity for the community to come in and have a look, see what the facilities are they have here, and have a chat.

“More importantly, it’s to have a chat to the current volunteers and see what they get out of the role of volunteering with the bush fire brigades.”

Ms Campbell said there were many ways to get involved in the brigades, different to fighting fires.

“I know some of our brigades are down a little bit, but I think it’s a great opportunity for people to come in and see you don’t actually have to go out and fight the fires,” she said.

“There’s lots of other opportunities as well. They can come and do the fundraising, they can help out on the committee, so it’s not just going out and fighting fires.”