By Parker McKenzie
CFA has announced four Victorian suppliers will deliver more than 30,000 sets of the new CFA work wear ensemble to volunteer members across the state.
$9 million is being invested to provide work wear for tens of thousands of CFA volunteers across Victoria, with funds being drawn from a $3 million state government investment and an additional $6 million from the Capability Funding Package stemming from Fire Services Reform.
CFA Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook said CFA is proud to deliver brand new gear to its dedicated volunteers, but also to make a significant investment to support domestic suppliers.
“We’re proud to be working with local suppliers like ADA, which is sourcing a significant amount of fabric domestically and using Australian manufacturers,” he said.
“The new work wear is designed to be unique within the emergency services sector and will bolster the strong and recognisable identity CFA has within communities,
“The work wear is tailored for both men and women, so our volunteers can feel comfortable wearing it while representing CFA.”
Australian Defense Apparel (ADA) has began manufacturing the new CFA garments including shirts, trousers, shorts and jackets.
Ferntree Gully CFA Captain Seamus Smith said the new work wear is designed for community interactions and training attendances.
“It’s taken about four to five years to come to an agreeable design and a funding structure,” he said.
“What is unfortunate is there is only is only 30,000 uniforms that are being provided – which is a huge increase on what was going to be provided – but it doesn’t cover everyone in the brigade.”
Ferntree Gully CFA will be provided 25 sets of the new uniforms and will fundraise to purchase another 20 sets for the remaining members of the brigade.
Funding was originally allocated for 9000 sets of new uniforms for CFA brigades around Victoria.
