General News
12 August, 2024
CFA chief praises volunteer values in workplace
A TRIO of water industry workers has been praised for their long-time commitment as volunteers with Boort Fire Brigade. Country Fire Authority chief officer Jason Heffernan this week highlighted the service of captain Kel Mayberry, Russel Talbot and...
A TRIO of water industry workers has been praised for their long-time commitment as volunteers with Boort Fire Brigade.
Country Fire Authority chief officer Jason Heffernan this week highlighted the service of captain Kel Mayberry, Russel Talbot and Tim Lanyon as a positive partnership between employers and the CFA.
The three work for Goulburn Murray Water where Kel is customer service team lead, Russel the field services co-ordinator and Tim an automation technician.
They have been Boort brigade members for a combined total of more than 50 years.
Kel joined 20 years ago, around the same time that he started with GMW.
“I grew up in the local community but moved away to Melbourne for work,” he said.
“When I returned, I was really keen to give back, and this is a great way to contribute.”
Russel and Tim have been at the brigade for 18 years and 15 years respectively.
Both were encouraged to join by former volunteers who were also working for GMW at the time.
The contribution of GMW staff to the brigade has been aided by the water corporation providing specific leave for people volunteering in emergency services.
“It’s enormously helpful,” said Russel. “I was part of strike forces for the Black Saturday fires and the fires up in New South Wales in 2019-20.
“I was away at these events for about five days each time, but my managers have never had an issue with me going which I’m very grateful for.”
Kelvin and Tim have also been part of multiple strike forces and agreed the leave available to them had helped them take these opportunities.
Chief Officer Heffernan said CFA appreciated the commitment from many employers across the state who allow volunteers to leave work to help protect the Victorian community. “I applaud Goulburn Murray Water for their strategic foresight in the management of their people to encourage volunteerism that ultimately improves better community outcomes.”
Tim said he valued the opportunity to serve his community.
“It’s really rewarding being part of the brigade,” he said.
“I was born and bred in Boort, so supporting the community is really important for me and it’s great my workplace helps me with that.”
The brigade is crucial to its community and Russel said it isn’t just fires they get called to – it could be anything.
“There aren’t any other emergency services based near us, so we get called to a range of different things such as car accidents, floods, and chemical spills,” he said. “We’re often the first port of call for emergencies in our area, so it’s good to be able to help out.”