The Baldivis Volunteer Bushfire Brigade is searching for new members.
Camera IconThe Baldivis Volunteer Bushfire Brigade is searching for new members. Credit: Supplied/Jon Hewson

Brigades want FIFO recruits

Laura Tomlinson, Weekend CourierWeekend Kwinana Courier

With 32,000 volunteers and 1123 career firefighters in Western Australia, there is no doubting Baldivis Volunteer Bushfire Brigade captain Warren Schofield’s assertion that volunteers are a ‘very vital part’ of the State’s emergency services.

But Baldivis, and its sister volunteer station in Singleton, are always looking for new recruits with FIFO workers now in their sights.

Of the brigade’s 50 volunteers, around 25 are regularly active.

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‘We need more locals ” call-outs for non-locals take a lot longer,’ Mr Schofield said.

And for the numerous fly-in fly-out workers in the area, the team has a message: working away is not a disadvantage to volunteering.

‘FIFO workers are in some cases even more useful for us as they’re the ones around during the week, and they often have things like HR licences,’ Mr Schofield said.

About four of the brigade are regularly available during the day, which means homebound FIFO workers whose children may be at school or partners are busy at work are an ideal match for the brigade.

‘If someone wants to dedicate their time to us, they’re the people we need,’ Mr Schofield said.

‘It’s a good social activity, community minded, it’s exciting, you learn a lot of skills you can use elsewhere, and you’re giving something back to the area.’

For more information, visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au/volunteers/.

Those interested can also call the volunteer recruitment line on 1800 628 141.