AU Engine

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Married for almost 22 years, Rhett and Leah Chalwell share a long-standing commitment to both family and community through Bright Fire Brigade.

Rhett has been a member for 10 years, Leah for eight, and their son and daughter have since joined the brigade. Most recently, Rhett and Leah responded to the Walwa fire as strike team leader and crew leader.

Rhett

“I’ve been in CFA for about 10 years. Myself and a friend who lived here at the time were both tradies and decided to just head down to the local station and put our names down.

Leah joined in 2018 and our son and daughter are members now too. They’ve both watched us do what we do and run out the door when the pager goes off. They decided they could give it a try as well. They’ve done quite a bit of training now – structural, breathing apparatus (BA) skills maintenance and things like that. They’ve worked their way up in their qualifications in the brigade too which has been good.

Usually, we just drive to station together if we’re all at home. We all went to a callout together at the childcare centre. It was our children’s first one. There was another job we went to with all four of us on the same truck. That was the way it worked out that day. It’s been good to be able to do that stuff as a family, and obviously you do your Monday night training as well, which is great.

Leah recently became 4th lieutenant at our brigade. She’s the first female lieutenant for Bright in the history of the brigade. It’s been good to see. A lot of people have been trying to shift the culture in our brigade to become more family orientated. I think Leah becoming 4th lieutenant is another stepping stone towards that.

There are a couple of other women in the brigade. One of them joined in the last six months and another has been here for a year and a half. For them to see Leah in her role shows there are no barriers.

Leah’s a lieutenant and I’m a deputy group officer (DGO) with the Ovens Valley Group. I’m also the peer coordinator for District 23 and 24. Technically, Leah is the ranking officer in our family at brigade level. But when we go to certain jobs, if it’s me and Leah and a couple of other people, she knows she can pull from other people their expertise and skill sets and pass on the chain of command when needed.

When I was strike team leader in the recent fires it was good to have Leah as a crew leader to be able to share that experience. It was my first proper strike team leader role, and it was Leah’s first proper crew leader role. When we are in that space, we know what our role is. Leah has got her crew and she’s got to look after them. But if she needs to talk to me as the strike team leader on the day, that’s what our job is. When we finish at the end of the day though, we come home and go back to being husband and wife.

Leah and I run our own business and being self-employed is a big advantage for us in terms of turning out. A lot of our work is around the Bright area. So, if the pager goes off we can drop tools and get to a lot of incidents. With strike teams, we can just ring up clients and explain the situation and everyone is very supportive. Our availability makes it easy for the captain of the brigade, knowing that we are around 90 per cent of the time for when the pager does go off.

Something I admire about Leah is the way she sees everybody, regardless of who they are, what they’re doing, what their role, or what their position is. I also admire her quiet achieving. Just getting in and getting it done and not putting her hand up to say, “Look at me”.

I’m a pretty strategic person and I do lots of planning. I have everything written down in the diary and follow it to the tee. If it deviates from the plan, I sometimes find it a bit harder to readjust whereas Leah is a bit freer and can reevaluate and adjust.  

She’s also very discerning, which a lot of people probably don’t see. There are a few jobs that we’ve been to where Leah has noticed things that others haven’t. We went to a structure fire recently. The people that were in the building next door had been told get out of their house. They were just standing there on the side of the road in their pyjamas for ages. Leah noticed them after doing her stint in BA and just went over and talked to them. It’s a lot of things like that, whether it’s at home or at the brigade. She’s got this high level of discernment around things that blokes tend to miss. It doesn’t necessarily get noticed by other people. It’s more of a quiet thing.

What I love about CFA is that it gives me something different to focus on. It takes you out of the everyday and puts you in a space where you can do different things, use different skills and different abilities. I think that’s why I’ve got my hat in so many different areas, whether it’s at the brigade with the turnouts, or whether it’s as the peer coordinator or as a DGO. They’re all different roles that have different skill sets and I get to meet so many different people. I think that’s the beauty of strike teams too; I meet a lot of people that I may have heard about but never met, and we become lifelong friends through those experiences.”

Leah

“We own our own business. Rhett was working on his own but then I joined him eight years ago. Rhett was already a member of the brigade and when he’d get a callout, I’d wait for him in the car outside the station. One day he just asked the question, “Why don’t you jump on the truck?” It hadn’t even occurred to me that I could. So that’s how I joined. 

In my own experience, I think women sometimes won’t put their hand up for something unless they’re presented with it. And I think it’s really important to be able to see someone else doing it. It never occurred to me that I could get my medium rigid truck licence until I saw Jenny Ricardi from Myrtleford brigade driving a truck. I’ve seen it happen a few times with my daughter. She asks, “Can I do that?” and I make sure I tell her, “Yes you can”.

When it comes to volunteering there are so many different levels you can be involved in. I am very involved at brigade level, but Rhett is involved more at district level. Obviously, our kids aren’t available as us and have different priorities, but they just jump in when they’re available. So, as a family, we’ve all got the different levels in how much we’re involved.

I’ve found that you switch hats a little bit. Even though our kids are adults, at home they still live under our rules. But when we’re on the truck, we’re not mum and dad; we’re just another member. But the beauty of being a family member at brigade level is that you do understand a look. You do understand a body posture. So, there’s a lot of unspoken language which is used a lot on the ground, so that’s where it comes into play.

When we attended the Walwa fire in January as strike team leader and crew leader, it had its advantages and disadvantages. I was aware that I had that personal connection with someone who we all had to take direction from. It was really good having him there for my first crew leader experience, because if something really did go awry I knew he would understand and hear it in my voice over the radio. He’d probably be able to work out what was going on just by my tone. 

In terms of our work life together, it’s pretty predictable. People know that if they see the work van in town we’re around. We have a strong faith and on Sunday mornings we’re in Wodonga where we go to church. Our brigade members know if the pager goes off on a Sunday the Chalwells won’t be there.

I think there’s a lot about Rhett that people don’t know because he’s quite a private person. He may come across as rigid because he’s a planner and he sticks to it. But what people don’t know is that he’s quite playful. He’s not just that one-dimensional person. He’s ridiculously skilled and handy, but I think at brigade level you sometimes only see one side of people because they put a hat on.

Something I admire about Rhett is his resilience to stay in leadership. When the hard knocks come, they don’t take him out. He learns from it, grows and moves on in a positive way. He makes changes to alleviate any future issues.

For me, volunteering at CFA has been a different way to connect with my husband besides being at home with the kids. That was how it started. Over time it’s morphed into being a way to connect with community with a different skill set, at a different level that takes you away from work life. That’s what I’ve gained through volunteering for CFA.”

Submitted by	News and Media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Belfast Group Officer Phil Marney, Jo Tully, Chris Tully, Balmoral Group Officer Rodney Mcfarlane

Southwest CFA volunteer and stalwart Chris Tully recently celebrated reaching a remarkable 50 years of service to his local communities and was acknowledged with a CFA Life Membership.

An award presentation was held at the Hamilton Institute of Rural Learning (HIRL) on Monday, 16 February, where CFA Deputy Chief Officer South West Region Adrian Gutsche presented Chris with his medal in a room of full of CFA colleagues that he has built strong relationships with over the years and his family.

Chris first joined CFA with Melville Forest Rural Fire Brigade in September 1974, at the age of 15.  After 10 years of service Chris took on the role of Apparatus Officer in July 1984 and then stepped up into the 3rd Lieutenant position in July 1986 at the age of 26.

Since then, Chris has been a consistent presence in the brigade leadership team, taking on roles including Lieutenant for 20 years, Group Delegate for 6 years and Brigade Training Coordinator for more than 10 years.

CFA District 5 Commander David Ferguson said Chris has been an incredible support to the region and it has not gone unnoticed.

“The enthusiasm and energy that Chris has always brought to CFA is noted by his peers and is a fitting tribute to what he has achieved a lot in his 50 years,” David said.

“While he would not want to list his personal achievements, of which there are many, perhaps his biggest success has been the consistent support, care and motivation he has shown to and given others in CFA, to allow them to achieve. 

“Even in recent years where he has had limited capacity, he has continued to be involved and to give support and guidance to all.”

Chris has been Deputy Group Officer (DGO) for the Balmoral Group for the past 21 years, including taking on the role of 1st DGO in July 2018 in support of Rodney McFarlane after he moved up to the Group Officer role, a decision which Rodney has always expressed his personal gratitude for.

“Chris has more recently stepped back to 4th DGO so that he could continue to assist in whatever capacity he was able to, despite an already lengthy period supporting the group,” Rodney said.

“As a DGO Chris has also put his hand up to represent the group in numerous committees over the years including the District Training Committee and Vegetation Management Action Group.

“He has also represented the Balmoral Group at the District 4 Regional Planning Committee, a forerunner to the District Planning Committees that we have today. Chris’s input is always highly valued by his colleagues, the catchment team, and the district at large.”

Outside brigade and group involvement Chris was a member of the District 4 and 5 peer team for 10 years, from 2003 to 2013, a role that he was strongly committed to. 

“His care and awareness of the psychological impact of being in CFA is still evident today and has been a part of his involvement in CFA and community,” Rodney said.

“We thank Chris for his many years of dedicated and conscientious service to the community, district and CFA as a whole.”

Submitted by	David Ferguson

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Yarrambat Fire Brigade members came together over the weekend to celebrate the opening of their new turnout room which will help foster a more inclusive and safer space.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

CFA’s long and proud history of involvement with the Good Friday Appeal will reach a remarkable 75 years this year, while the Appeal will mark an impressive 95 years of fundraising.

Raising vital funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) has been a long-standing tradition for CFA members and only further reinforces their commitment, generosity and community spirit.

Over the past 75 years, CFA members have raised more than $41 million for the iconic Victorian cause, with hopes this year to raise more than last year’s $1.88 million.

On Thursday (19 February), Gisborne Fire Brigade members and CFA Deputy Chief Officer Trevor Weston joined in on the festivities at the RCH to officially launch the 2026 Good Friday Appeal.

Members formed a Guard of Honour to announce the Faces of the Appeal, with three-year-old Alissa and six-year-old Oliver both having received life-saving care from the RCH.

Gisborne Good Friday Appeal Area Manager and CFA brigade member Mark Carter has been organising and fundraising for 20 years as a passionate ambassador and is extremely proud of the work the brigade does. 

“For us, it is a special tradition, and some of our members have been involved for up to 50 years,” Mark said.

“We get the local Scouts and Cubs involved and we usually get two or three minibuses and take them around town – they get a real buzz out of it for such a good cause.

“We still do the old-style door knock and fundraise at local shops throughout the year.

“Seeing what comes through at the end of the day and knowing it goes to such a fantastic place is so rewarding.”

Last year the brigade raised $74,107, bringing their cumulative total to $399,584, and are now set to celebrate an impressive $400,000 in their milestone 50^th year.

“Donald Fire Brigade [one of the first brigades to fundraise] used to come down in their old T Model Ford vehicle and collect from towns along the way. As one of those towns, our involvement evolved very quickly from there,” Mark said.

“The work they do in the RCH is so important. I had two premature babies myself, and I’m thankful they didn’t need to go there, but I always knew the support was there if needed.

“The technology and expertise they get from RCH is well worth it, because the kids are worth it.”

Almost 150 CFA brigades are involved in tin rattling, door knocking and fundraising efforts each year, and CFA Deputy Chief Officer Trevor Weston has been among those as a member.

“I’ve been involved through my time at Wyndham Vale and Werribee Fire Brigades and our involvement as an organisation is something we are really proud to be a part of,” Trevor said.

“We were fortunate enough to witness just two examples of the great work that the RCH and the Appeal do alongside the support of the Victorian community at the launch.

“To get out in the community to promote the message of the Appeal and the work they do at the RCH is incredibly important.

“Many of our members have unfortunately required the services of the RCH, so I absolutely encourage the community to give wherever and whatever they can, whether that is to our CFA volunteers who will be out on Good Friday collecting, or online and through other avenues.”

Make this Friday a Good Friday. Give what you can – in person or donate online at https://fundraise.goodfridayappeal.com.au/find-a-fundraiser

Submitted by	CFA media

Source: Government of Western Australia

Some of the City’s emerging singing talent will shine brightly on Saturday 21 February at Symphony Under the Stars.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Events in 2021

For over 60 years, Warracknabeal Fire Brigade has been supporting the Good Friday Appeal with the help of their dedicated community, and their generosity stems much broader than a door knock.

Having raised over $523,000 since 1964, the brigade has been a strong contributor across CFA’s 75-year connection to the Appeal.

Brigade members rattling tins in their yellows has become an iconic tradition within the town. This year they are hoping to grow their annual tally toward such a worthy cause beyond the $31,000 they raised last year. It is a cause that hits particularly close to home.

Warracknabeal firefighter and Appeal Area Manager Tennille Jonasson has been part of the brigade’s fundraising efforts for 10 years, and said she looks forward to Good Friday for the collection activities more than the easter bunny.

“I really love getting together with the community to get behind the Good Friday Appeal and raise money for the kids,” Tennille said.

“The community are great, and it’s very rewarding. We’ve all had family members or friends’ children who have used the services of the Royal Children’s Hospital.

“My nephews have been in there and there are many kids we interact with out in the community who have too.”

Because there are no traffic lights in the town, with no safe spot for traffic to stop, they have had to get creative.

Leading from the front, Tennille aims to mix things up each year – holding different activities to raise funds and awareness.

“Last year I organised an auction and we raised nearly $10,000 and we’ve also done an easter egg hunt based off the Amazing Race, called Beat the Bunny,” Tennille said.

“We don’t do any door knocking, but we do a lot of raffles and street collection.

“The trucks usually go around the streets in the afternoon of Good Friday, and we used to have members at certain street corners.

“In 2019, we raised more than $5,000 at one particular corner which was amazing.”

As a passionate advocate for both the cause and the interaction the collection provides, Tennille said she keeps a tally of every total raised on each activity and every street.

While the brigade is gearing up for a big presence at the 2026 State Firefighter Championships in March, they are still finding the time to give their efforts to both events.

“It’s been a busy start to the year, so although there won’t be an auction this year, we will still have our annual raffle,” Tennille said.

“We’ll have the trucks out and have our members based at the Werrigar Roadhouse.”

To register your 2026 Good Friday Appeal fundraising activity, or to get your town on the regional tally board, please contact the team at collections@goodfridayappeal.com.au.

Make this Friday a Good Friday. Give what you can – in person or donate online at https://fundraise.goodfridayappeal.com.au/find-a-fundraiser

Submitted by	CFA media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

A trial program that strategically located bulk water carriers across Victoria will be extended with the fire risk set to continue into the Autumn.

Launched in October, the program saw 19 mobile bulk water carriers, each with the capacity to hold more than 20,000 litres, strategically placed across Victoria to enable access to most fires within 60 minutes drive time.

The program, funded by the Victorian Government, was set up to strengthen firefighting operations during the 2025/26 fire season after a seasonally high fire risk was predicted in August 2025.

CFA Deputy Chief Officer Garry Cook AFSM said the program had a been a huge success saving firefighters time and getting  their tankers reloaded with water and back on the fireground faster.

“We knew leading into the fire season that there was going to be a shortage of groundwater, particularly through the west and the north,” Garry said.

“But as conditions continued to dry out across the state through the very hot and dry summer, the shortage was right across Victoria.”

To date the bulk water carriers have logged more than 1,121 operational hours supporting firefighters on firegrounds across the state including more than 30 incidents.

Some of these incidents include the major fires at Carlisle River, Longwood, Ravenswood and Clarkefield, but also include many smaller fires that were able to be contained quickly due to having a bulk water carrier on scene.

During summer if an Incident Controller decided they need water delivered to a fire because they didn’t have access to a farm dam, a creek or some other form of supply, they can request access a bulk water tanker through their district duty officer.

“With a dry autumn expected we will be extending the use of these tankers and will keep them on standby for the next month or so,” Garry said.

“It’s the first time we have had bulk water at our direct disposal without having to pick up the phone and call contractors to see whether they are available to support us.

“Once the season subsides we will  review how this has supported on ground operations and start to look to how we can improve this program into the future.”

The feedback from CFA volunteer firefighters has been positive.

“It’s saving us having to draught from dams and it’s giving us water really fast,” Riddells Creel Fire Brigade firefighter Michael Hemmingway said.

“The bulk water tanker is brilliant. It’s right in the middle if the action and saves us so much time and gets us back on the fireground saving houses,” Heskett-Kerrie Fire Brigade firefighter Paul Fletcher said.

Submitted by	CFA media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

The Upper Ferntree Gully Fire Brigade marked a proud milestone over the weekend, celebrating 100 years of dedicated service with brigade members past and present.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Photo: Blair Dellemijn Uniform Photography

The Eltham community is proudly celebrating a historic milestone as the Eltham Fire Brigade marks 100 years of dedicated service protecting lives and property.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

After a dry and hotter than usual summer, most of Victoria will face an increased risk of fire over the coming months, according to the Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Autumn released today.

A lack of significant rainfall, extreme heat and high fuel loads were a major contributor to the bushfires across large parts of Victoria during January and this elevated risk is set to continue well into autumn.

The outlook for autumn is again drier than normal, with forecast warmer than average maximum daytime and overnight temperatures.

These warmer, drier conditions may further increase fuel availability across already parched grasslands, forests, woodlands and heathlands – making it easier for fires to start and spread.  

A normal bushfire risk this autumn is only forecast for East Gippsland and the Mallee. East Gippsland, including Bairnsdale and Orbost, has had consistent rain in spring and summer and the Mallee, around Mildura and Kerang, has reduced fuel loads. However, even in areas with normal bushfire potential, fast running fires are possible on dry and windy days in areas with dry or cured vegetation.

The extreme conditions may delay planned burning in much of the state, but it may also increase opportunities to target areas not typically available for planned burning during April and May.   

Emergency services will continue to monitor conditions to identify key risk areas leading into the autumn period.

Victoria remains well prepared for the potential of fires, with aircraft positioned across the state to support dedicated volunteer and career firefighters on the ground. 

The Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Autumn is developed by the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council and supported by the Bureau of Meteorology along with state and territory fire and land managers.

It’s important for communities to understand their local risks. Keep up to date with the Fire Danger Ratings on the VicEmergency app and VicEmergency website.

Quotes attributable to Deputy Emergency Management Commissioner, Brett Boatman

‘Our long-term drying trend continues with many parts of Victoria recording below average rain and some no rain at all during January.

‘With these drier than normal conditions expected to continue through autumn, we all need to remain vigilant about the potential for fires.

“Be prepared, understand your local risks, use the VicEmergency app and stay tuned to your local emergency broadcaster.’

Quotes attributable to Country Fire Authority Acting Chief Officer, Alen Slijepcevic

‘While conditions remain dry with little rain forecast in certain parts of the state over coming months, the fire risk will continue but our crews are ready and will adapt to changes as they develop through autumn.

‘Victorians should continue to maintain their properties and stay informed of their local risks so they can take action to protect their families in the event of a fire.’

Quotes attributable to Forest Fire Management Victoria Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Fiona Dunstan

‘The expected warmer maximum temperatures are likely to delay the start of planned burning across most of the state, except for East Gippsland, during autumn.

‘As soon as favourable weather and forest conditions arrive, we’ll make sure all available resources are delivering planned burning, including in areas that are often too wet in typical autumn.

‘With the dry conditions continuing, campfire safety is critical. Check whether a Total Fire Ban has been declared via VicEmergency before lighting a fire. If you do, manage it safely and fully extinguish it with water, never soil.’

 “As soon as favourable weather and forest conditions arrive, we’ll make sure all available resources are delivering planned burning, including in areas that are often too wet in typical autumn.”

Quotes attributable to Fire Rescue Victoria Deputy Commissioner Operations Central, South and East, Costa Katsikis

‘As we move into autumn, most Victorians still face an increased risk of grass and bushfires due to the cumulative effects of hotter weather and lower rainfall.

‘Given these conditions everyone should keep in mind that these fires can start, take hold and move very quickly posing a threat to life and property.

‘We’re asking everyone to stay mindful of potential fire risks near their homes and local area, whether urban or regional, and to keep an up-to-date plan of what to do if a fire starts.’

Quotes attributable to Victorian State Emergency Services Chief Officer Operations, Alistair Drayton

‘We know weather conditions shift quickly across Victoria. As well as fires, it’s also important people are storm smart.

‘We encourage all Victorians to consider how they can ready themselves and their properties, not just fires, but for other emergencies, such as floods and storms, including preparing an emergency kit with food and water, a torch and medicines.’

Submitted by	CFA Media