Millicent Spencer
Whittlesea CFA has welcomed a new junior to itsbrigade.
Seventeen-year-old Josh Corps recently attended a cadet training camp run by the CFA youth team, and can now use his skills to help the local community.
Josh said one of the reasons for volunteering was to build experience in animal rescue, and since starting with the CFA he’s already rescued a horse.
“I am currently doing a certificate II in agriculture and love working with cattle, so I felt right at home supporting the animal as we prepared to rescue it on a steep incline,” he said.
“The crew worked well together and we all learned new skills with Arthurs Creek brigade members who are experienced in large animal rescue.”
Josh regularly accompanies his dad on rescues, and Simon is a strong advocate of his son’s participation in the brigade.
“It will allow him to continue to build his community spirit while learning new skills and working with a great team,” he said.
“He will have experiences that people his age may never have, both positive and challenging.
“We have been very impressed with the support he has already been given from the brigade and CFA.”
Josh said he encourages other people his age to join their local CFA, and not to be nervous about signing up.
“You can be confident that you will be supported and included in your brigade,” he said.
“There is a lot to learn and don’t be afraid to ask questions.”
That support has been clearly demonstrated by Whittlesea brigade captain Richard Gardiner.
Richard said he got involved with the CFA when his dad took him to the station when he was 16 years old, and hasn’t looked back since.
“It was quite formative for me and opened my whole world to the idea of helping other people,” he said.
“I realised it was a possibility and something that could be done, but then I had that visceral experience of doing it and I realised it was something that I loved.”
Richard said joining the CFA was a “sliding doors” moment of his life, having subsequently had a career in emergency management working with CFA, Ambulance Victoria, FRV and Emergency Management Victoria.
Richard said joining CFA at such an early age was life-changing for him and that’s why he has remained passionate about giving young people the opportunity to be operational.
