Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority
What binds CFA members is the common goal to protect lives and property. But they are a diverse bunch – every member has a story and Faces of CFA introduces you to just some of those stories.
KAY GRANTER, STRATH CREEK-REEDY CREEK BRIGADE
What is your CFA role?
I’m currently 2nd lieutenant and community safety coordinator.
Why did you join?
After living in the Dandenong Ranges as a child, the fear of bushfires was always instilled in us and always on our minds. Both my brothers were CFA members for Sassafras-Ferny Creek, The Basin and Glenburn brigades. I assisted at times to help wash the trucks.
After moving to Strath Creek my young family endured the terrible 2009 Black Saturday bushfires that devastated our small town. I thought it was time to get out there and have a go to help my community.
What incident has had the greatest impact on you?
There have been many incidents, such as car accidents, that I think about. But the bushfire in Flowerdale in 2023 had the most impact on me because we were one of the first to arrive on scene. The fire was going really quickly with strong winds. It was large, widespread and heading up the surrounding hills out of reach of most vehicles. Seeing multiple aerial support come in quickly was a great relief, as was the assistance of surrounding brigades who brought their experience and knowledge.
Who have been your mentors in CFA?
So many CFA members from District 12 have given me support in some way or another throughout the years. However, my amazing Captain Eric Smith is always there for me and always has the time of day to assist or chat.
Our District Instructor Tony Scicluna AFSM has an absolute wealth of knowledge and is a great guy to work with.
So much knowledge is shared, which is fantastic. I’m always learning.
What have been the highlights of your time in CFA?
I think everything we do as a member is a highlight for me. After spending many years as a mum of three (all grown up now) I’ve been very fortunate to upskill my everyday life with new skills such as BA, medium rigid driving licence, community safety coordinator, chainsaw use and crew leadership skills. I really enjoy it and I’m a very proud CFA member. It gives me a sense of achievement – something I never thought I could do.
I like to empower community members to learn more and educate themselves on how to deal with emergency situations.
I now have two grown-up kids in the process of joining our brigade and I have a very supportive hubby. Dinners and washing machines are no longer a priority for me!
How do you motivate your brigade members?
I try to stay positive, see the good in things and have a laugh. I encourage others to get involved and have a go at something they ordinarily wouldn’t do. CFA is great at supporting new courses and allowing members to explore different avenues for varied levels of confidence in people.
What lessons are you most keen to pass onto other members?
I like to think that we are very lucky to be Involved as CFA members. It’s a great organisation that accepts people from all walks of life. We are a diverse group and we can all learn from each other.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to spend time in the garden and my new greenhouse. I also enjoy competitive swimming, horse riding and the occasional hunt for foxes and rabbits with my son.
Most of all, I love to spend time at home on the farm watching the view. As I live in the Valley of a Thousand Hills, it’s never boring.
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