Portarlington Fire Brigade sounds alarm for day-time volunteers

Jessica Benton
PORTARLINGTON Fire Brigade is in desperate need of daytime firefighters, according to brigade administration officer Sandra McNicol.
The Bellarine brigade member said the group was struggling to operate during working hours, with few volunteers available because of work commitments.
“We’re keen to get people who will turn out for fire fighting during the day,” she said.
“At the moment we’ve only got about one or two members available during working hours.”
Ms McNicol said the brigade was calling for all members of the community to help out, including holiday-makers and “stay-at-home” mums.
“Stay-at-home mums who are looking for something else to do during the day could help out,” she said.
“At the moment the members we have are people who live in the town full time and retirees.
“It’s open to male or female and all different age groups, all that’s needed is good health and a willingness to help out.”
Ms McNicol said the commitment was flexible and training would be provided.
The Independent reported in January 2008 that the brigade was conducting a membership drive to try and encourage more volunteers.
Ms McNicol said while the brigade recruited about nine new members from the drive, there had since been a high turnover in the volunteer organisation.
Ms McNicol said the Portarlington brigade was forced to rely on neighbouring towns.
“We’re leaning on neighbouring brigades but they have the same issues so it’s getting tough,” she said.
“We’ve been pretty lucky so far this season in terms of call outs but you never know what’s around the corner.”
Ms McNicol asked interested people to phone brigade captain Paul Russell on 0422 434 357.