As a Fire Brigade consisting entirely of volunteers, the Brigade members receive no money for the many hours we spend training and responding to emergencies.
Some of the jobs we attend can take an hour while others can take many. We could also be sent to a major incident within Victoria or interstate. This may mean that members must take a week off work. Many employers recognise the amazing and necessary work done by volunteers and assist their employees where they are able.
As well as fires, the Brigade responds to motor vehicle accidents, animal rescues, gas leaks, floods, tree and storm damage incidents and assists other emergency services such as the SES, Ambulance and Police.
As volunteers we are 'on call' at all times. There are no set shifts, every member responds whenever they can. This is rarely at a convenient time for volunteers, and more than one or two evening meals have been eaten cold or hastily microwaved hours after they were made.
In our spare time, members are constantly raising funds for new equipment to enable us to continue to respond to the needs of our community in a timely, effective and professional manner. The demands and responsibilities of volunteering are great, but so are the rewards.
Belgrave Fire Brigade has a rich history dating back to 1923 and it has been beautifully documented in the book "Belgrave Volunteer Fire Brigade, Our History". If you wish to learn more about the history of the Brigade from 1923 to 2002, the book is available for $10. Please email your contact details with the subject line "History Book" and you may organise a time to pick it up, or we will reply with the postage cost if you would prefer it to be posted.
