THE Country Fire Authority (CFA) is pleased to announce the production of more than 30,000 new workwear uniform sets for CFA volunteers across Victoria.

A total of $9 million has been invested in providing the workwear, under the State Government’s Volunteer Support Package.

This is an increase of over 20,000 more suits originally announced early 2021, on top of the ongoing roll-out of 5500 new firefighting helmets.

Four Victorian suppliers have been locked in to deliver the new sets of the CFA workwear ensemble to its volunteer members across Victoria.

The workwear is specifically tailored so that the volunteers will be comfortable wearing it while representing CFA.

Australian Defence Apparel (ADA) has begun manufacturing the new CFA workwear garments,

including shirts, trousers, shorts and jackets; all of which will feature the distinctive dark ‘Patriot Blue’ and the CFA emblem.

Goulburn Valley E&M has been contracted to supply belts and buckles, Stewart & Heaton to produce caps and wide-brim hats, and Harcor Security Seals to supply epaulettes and patches.

In announcing the production of the new uniforms, CFA acting chief officer, Garry Cook stated how proud the CFA was to not only deliver brand new, world-class workwear to its dedicated volunteers, but also it is a significant investment that supports our 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 workwear is designed to be unique within the emergency services sector and will bolster the strong and recognisable identity CFA has within communities.”

While the workwear does not replace CFA’s iconic yellow firefighting gear, the public will soon become familiar with the new workwear when members wear it while participating in brigade activities, fundraising, community engagement events and working within incident management teams.

It is expected there will be a staggered rollout of the workwear to brigades across Victoria, to commence early next year.

CFA District 5 commander, David Ferguson, was pleased to hear of the announcement that will freshen up CFA’s formal attire for public appearances.

“Our volunteers are looking forward to the release of the new workwear, that is particularly appropriate for the busier urban areas such as Hamilton,” he said.

“The new uniform will allow our volunteers to be identifiable in the community when they are out representing CFA and performing duties around their stations whilst also saving them from wearing their own clothes to events and meetings. 

“CFA is pleased to receive funding for this new gear, and we are looking forward to it rolling out some time in the new year.”