Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority
CFA’s youngest first lieutenant Brodie Hanks is one of the many young people in CFA who has juggled volunteering with studying.
The 18-year-old joined Jancourt Fire Brigade when he was 16, signing up on his birthday because he couldn’t wait any longer.
“I was elected to the role of first lieutenant in July when I was 17 and I am working hard to pursue becoming a career firefighter,” Brodie said. “CFA has given me a place to explore something I am passionate about as well as giving me lifelong friends and skills.”
Brodie recently finished year 12 and for him volunteering alongside going to school was a complementary experience.
“CFA was an outlet for me to do something outside of school that wasn’t sport,” he said.
“I learned a lot of things through CFA that helped me at school like leadership skills, resilience and communication. These things aren’t necessarily taught in a classroom setting.”
Brodie said he takes on as much as he can in his brigade including strike teams – and he didn’t miss a single callout in his first year. But he believes volunteers can work this commitment around their lives and take on what suits.
“There have been a couple of times when I have got straight off the bus and put my turnout gear over my school uniform,” he said.
“If you know you have an exam coming up, you don’t have to go to the callouts in the middle of the night, but if you’re slugged down in study turning out can provide a really good brain break.
“Training fits pretty well around a school schedule and everyone is really supportive.”
Brodie said being part of CFA is a great opportunity for all young people. “Everyone gets around each other. It’s such a supportive environment, it looks great on a resume, and you have a lot of fun,” he said.
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