Thursday, 20 February 2025

Country Fire Authority Werribee brigades

Sheena WATT (Northern Metropolitan) (17:45): (1438) My adjournment matter today is for the Minister for Emergency Services. The action I seek is for the minister to commit to visiting the incredible CFA volunteers in Werribee to recognise the essential work they do for their community. The Allan Labor government and the minister have consistently backed our CFA brigades. That is why the 2024–25 budget invested nearly $20 million in upgrading the state’s CFA pumper fleet. In Werribee specifically we have supported the Little River CFA with a funding top-up of $24,000 via the volunteer emergency services equipment program grant scheme.

CFA volunteers selflessly sacrifice time with family and friends to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of their communities. Their efforts extend beyond firefighting as they play a crucial role in community preparedness, emergency response and recovery. The dedication of CFA volunteers ensures that local residents have the support they need during times of crisis, often, it must be said, at great personal cost to themselves and their families. That is why our government will always back volunteers from the CFA and our other emergency services organisations.

One such volunteer is Werribee CFA’s John Lister. Like all CFA volunteers, John is deeply committed to his community. Beyond his work with the CFA he also serves as a dedicated high school teacher at Wyndham Central College. He has spent years prioritising the safety of his local community in both roles. Recently John has further demonstrated his commitment to the people of Werribee by stepping up as their newly elected representative in the other place. What an exciting privilege that is for him. Let me express my congratulations to him on receiving this great privilege from his local community. I know that his deep understanding of community needs, gained through years of frontline service and living in the community, will equip him to serve Werribee well.

The action I seek is for the minister to commit to visiting a CFA brigade in John’s community of Werribee to recognise the essential work they do for their community. Their service is invaluable, and their dedication deserves not only our gratitude but also our continued support.