By Tyler Wright
Menzies Creek Rural Fire Brigade are continuing their mission to educate young children in the community through an annual meeting with kindergarten and prep children from Dandenong Ranges Steiner School.
Brigade members made the visit to the independent school in late August toteach students about safety measures, explore the compartments of a firetruck and equipment including uniforms and different hoses.
Dandenong Ranges Steiner School acting kindergarten teacher Katy Baker said the students were able to learn about the varied roles available in the CFA, not just a “fireman and a hose”.
“Because they’re so young, they were connecting with people in their community and different jobs that people do within their community, and what happens once they hear the siren,” Katy said.
“To be making connections with the wider community expands their knowledge and their understanding.
that’ll expand into their community with their families and from the community. Within a shopping that the shops that they go to, and the other the other emergency services, they’ll have connections with those they’ll see bliss and the CFA and the, the SES , so it’s just one more connection that they’re making.
Kathryn Benyer, member of the Menzies Creek Rural Fire Brigade, said ‘Meet the Firefighter’ days seek to educate kids on gear used; namely the thicker, more protective building structure uniform.
“We talked about if they wake up in their bedroom, but it’s really smoky and they can’t see anything, what should they do? ‘get down low and go, go go,’ Kathryn said.
“We have a little game with a parachute as well, where we hold the parachute down really low and they have to army crawl underneath, and that encourages them to get down and stay at floor level.
Having a chat through what volunteers do and why we give our time to the brigade, and what we can do for the community I think is really important as well.”
With 32 total members; 20 of those operational, Menzies Creek Rural Fire Brigade captain David Van Loon said community engagement is important at all levels.
“Kids will raise something with their parents or go back and talk to them about it and maybe even resolve an issue before we even take the journey out,” David said.
“We transfer that into an older age group by engaging the community and coming to the station and learning about CFA and also about fires and disasters and things we train for, but also to engage the community and let them understand it.”
Scott Benyer, firefighter with Menzies Creek Rural Fire Brigade, said engagement helps build trust with residents for when locals may need help from the brigade.
“We’ve also got our own Facebook page for people who are local to Menzies Creek, so if there’s any questions, that’s one way to approach us,” Scott said.
“We’re also training every Wednesday night at the station, and we’re always happy to have a chat with anybody who wants to come down and ask any questions or potentially volunteer.
“Or even asking if we want to come and have a look at their property or can get access, because we’re always interested to see where we can go and how we can get into places around the community.
When the Menzies Creek Rural Fire Brigade is able to welcome the general public through its doors, there are plans to hold an open day.
