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Aireys Inlet brigade members Samson and Bella (middle)
Growing up along the coast of Aireys Inlet has its perks, and two young working professionals are hoping their friends follow in their footsteps in joining CFA to give back to their community.
While the seaside town boasts a small population with a large CFA presence, the future generations of the station are hoping to spread the word to inject more youth in the brigade.
For 23-year-old local carpenter Samson Wylie, it was seeing the devastation of the 2019-20 Black Summer fires from afar that inspired him to join CFA.
"It was always something I had thought about over the years [joining]. When the fires were going on, there was so much exposure and I thought what better time to jump on board and lend a hand," Samson said.
"When I got the go-ahead from my workplace I got straight into it. Now that I'm a qualified sub-contractor it makes it a lot easier to turn out.
"I'm really grateful they allow me to respond during work hours if needed. Most of the time, I would only run out if it's a quiet day or if I'm finishing up. But, for a strike team, major fire, or a big burn off I'll head off.
Samson part of a strike team in the Beaufort fires in February this year, working a 12-hour overnight shift.
"I just loved it. It was really rewarding to put all that training into perspective and given we do all our training at night time, it didn't feel foreign to me at that hour," Samson said.
"Getting out there and being part of a team and meeting new members was great, and watching live fire happen right in front of me was memorable.
"Being given the job to help people throughout some of their most challenging times is a privilege."
When Samson first started, he was impressed by the level of care and concern CFA dedicated towards member mental health, wellbeing and safety.
"It was really reassuring to know when you first start out that you're not going to be put into a truck and sent out to a burning fire with a no through road. Member safety is at the forefront."
Fellow member Bella Greene joined at a similar time to Samson, with the 27-year-old South Melbourne artist making the most of her move back to Geelong, not far from her home town.
"Coming from the small town of Moggs Creek, and with my dad being so heavily involved, I felt it was just the natural thing for me to do," Bella said.
"It's a nice way to give back and be part of something local, and although I live in Geelong, I can turn out when I'm visiting my family in Moggs, and I have flexibility working for myself.
"I get down most weekends, which means I'm available to turn out quite regularly, especially during summer, and I make an effort to get down to training on Tuesdays when I can."
Getting out of her comfort zone was the catalyst for Bella, as was opening herself up to a new way of thinking and skill set, and once involved she realised the thought of CFA was not as intimidating as she initially expected.
"At first, your mind runs through all the potential circumstances you could find yourself in and the responsibilities that you could have, but the training is incredibly thorough and reassuring," Bella said.
"I felt comfortable that I was good to go once I had made it through the General Firefighter course. They don't just throw you in the deep end, you're well prepared.
"I thought I needed to come in with a foundation and to know all the basics, but you don't, you can walk in and learn it all alongside them."
If you're interested in joining CFA or learning more about volunteering, head to www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteer to 'Give Us Hand'.
