September doesn’t just mark the start of spring, it’s also Youth Fest, a month to celebrate the energy, drive, and heart of young people across Victoria and at the Gembrook Fire Brigade, that celebration feels personal.
Sam Galvin still remembers what it felt like to evacuate during the 2019 Bunyip State Forest fires, it was a moment that changed everything.
“I was just a community member back then,” Mr Galvin said.
“But it was one of those moments where you realise, you want to be part of the help next time.”
He joined Gembrook CFA in late 2022, and since then, he’s thrown himself into every part of it, from training sessions and community events to turning out to incidents alongside his brigade.
“Honestly, I didn’t think I was cut out for this, but CFA has helped me find my feet. I’ve grown in confidence, in my skills, and I’m learning what kind of leader I want to be,” he said.
Now in his early twenties, Mr Galvin is not only a volunteer firefighter but also the Operational Health and Safety Coordinator at Gembrook.
He’s recently completed the CFA’s Emerging Young Leaders Mentoring Program, a six-month journey that pairs young members with mentors to help grow their leadership skills.
“It’s such a supportive space,” he said.
“You get to learn, to connect, to be heard, it feels like a breath of fresh air.”
That sense of purpose is echoed more than 200 kilometres away, where Brodie Hanks, CFA’s youngest first lieutenant, is making his own mark.
Mr Hanks joined Jancourt CFA on his 16th birthday, he couldn’t sign up fast enough.
Now 18, he’s completed a long list of specialist training, responded to countless callouts, and even been deployed to the Grampians earlier this year during a major fire.
“I’ve done courses in hazmat awareness, low structure, breathing apparatus, first aid, you name it,” he said.
“But the best part? Just turning out. Being there for people when they need it.”
In July, Mr Hanks was elected to his lieutenant role at just 17, he’s proud of the title, but even more proud of the community behind it.
“It’s such a lovely and supportive group. You learn from the best, and you’re surrounded by people who believe in you,” he said.
For both Mr Galvin and Mr Hanks, CFA has become more than a volunteer gig. It’s a place to grow, to lead, and to be part of something bigger than themselves.
“I’ve developed so many personal skills, situational awareness, compassion, communication,” Mr Hanks said.
“The CFA is really good at developing good leaders.”
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said Youth Fest was a chance to recognise the important role young people play in the organisation.
“CFA is full of incredible youth that bring enthusiasm and new perspectives to their brigades,” Mr Heffernan said.
“They are the future of CFA, and our aim is to empower them to take on any role and give them as many opportunities as we can.”
Victoria’s CFA is a vast network, more than 52,000 volunteers, over 1200 brigades, and around 1000 staff, all working together to respond to emergencies across the state.
From bushfires and house fires to road accidents and floods, they’ve got it covered, with a fleet of over 4000 vehicles, many owned and maintained by local brigades.
Despite its size, both Mr Galvin and Mr Hanks say CFA still feels personal.
“At Gembrook, I walk into the station and know I’ll be greeted by people who want to see me succeed,” Mr Galvin.
“That’s powerful.”
And for those on the fence about joining? Mr Hanks has some simple advice.
“Just go for it. The process is easy, and you’ll be supported the whole way. I’ve gained so, so much in just two years,” he said.
The CFA is always looking for the next generation of volunteers, young people ready to step up, learn, lead, and protect their communities.
“It’s more than just jumping on the truck,” Mr Galvin said.
“It’s about making a meaningful impact, and that opportunity? It belongs to all of us.”
