THE Country Fire Authority (CFA) August 2022 Volunteer Forum was held at the Hamilton Airbase on Wednesday night, with people attending both in person and online to ask questions.

Hosted each month from a different CFA location by CFA chief officer, Jason Heffernan, the forums are broadcasted on YouTube and provide volunteers and interested stakeholders with a platform to engage.

Joining Mr Heffernan on the forum panel were South-West Region deputy chief officer, Rohan Luke, Hamilton Airbase manager, Simon Wilson, and Hamilton Brigade lieutenant and State Young Adults advisory committee member, Celeste Benoit.

Viewed by not only locals but also people across Australia and internationally, District Five assistant chief fire officer, Richard Bourke, said the forum was a success with many important topics discussed throughout the hour and a half long event. 

“The forum was a real opportunity to showcase the Hamilton Airbase and the importance of aviation fire firefighting, as well as the emphasis CFA has in providing opportunities for younger members and the challenges of attracting and retaining young members,” he said.

“The forum went well with plenty of questions from online viewers and members present.”

Some of the questions asked during the forum included the use of larger aircraft locally, implementing recommendations from the 2019-20 New South Wales aircraft tragedy, and what the requirements are around flying near wind turbines.

A recording of the August 2022 Volunteer Forum is available for viewing on the CFA’s YouTube Channel.