After moving back to her hometown of Meerlieu, just two kilometres from the local fire shed, Zoe Blandford jumped at the opportunity to volunteer with CFA and reconnect with the community while lending a hand.
With a background in the mining industry in Western Australia as part of an emergency response team, Zoe brought valuable experience and skills that have transferred seamlessly into a range of CFA roles.
Now working in the rostering team for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Zoe has swapped dispatching mine trucks for ambulances, but her expertise continues to grow across both fields.
“Coming from an industry that was traditionally male dominated and being exposed to so many different safety protocols and processes has really helped me transition into becoming a CFA volunteer,” Zoe said.
“Holding my heavy rigid truck licence has also been useful for the brigade, given I used to drive mine dump trucks. We are always in need of more truck drivers, so I’m glad I can help there.”
The passion for CFA runs deep in the family, with Zoe’s brother now serving as captain, following in the footsteps of their uncles, while Zoe has taken on the role of 3rd Lieutenant from their father.
One of Zoe’s favourite memories with CFA was participating in the South East Women’s Challenge Camp alongside her twin sister, who is also a firefighter with Lindenow Fire Brigade. Both praised the camp for its supportive and empowering environment.
“It was really rewarding being in a space just for women, where everyone felt comfortable, supported and encouraged by other like-minded people. We really enjoyed it,” Zoe said.
“Finding time initially to complete the General Firefighter Course can be difficult because everyone has busy lives and family commitments, but once you work through it at your own pace it is great. It’s also nice to have opportunities like the camp to look forward to.
“We don’t do regular training at Meerlieu, so I have been joining Stratford and Lindenow as often as I can. They have both been amazing and very welcoming.
“It helps keep your skills fresh and build your knowledge, while also getting to know people from neighbouring brigades who you eventually work alongside on the fireground.”
Meerlieu Fire Brigade has welcomed several new members over the past 12 months after Zoe and her brother reached out to locals who had never previously considered volunteering.
“While some have come from family farming backgrounds, one new member happened to be helping his neighbour with a fire while we were responding,” Zoe said.
“Once we had finished cleaning up, we asked if he would be interested in joining and becoming part of the action, and he said yes.
“It was a natural fit for him because of his proactive attitude and he got to see the work we do first-hand. He is now one of our most active members.”
Zoe also reflected positively on her first major strike team deployment during the Munro fires and said she was impressed by the teamwork shown across crews.
“Being part of any callout or strike team encourages me to keep learning and to be the best I can be so that when I am on the fireground I can trust myself to make the right decisions, keep everyone safe and achieve our goals,” she said.
Meerlieu Fire Brigade is currently seeking volunteers who are available to respond to incidents during the day. Anyone interested in joining CFA or learning more about volunteering can visit the CFA website.
