Becoming a Volunteer

Becoming a Volunteer

The community relies on people, from all walks of life, to give their time to become members of the SA Country Fire Service (CFS). Men and women who live within a reasonable distance of their local brigade are very welcome to join.

 

CFS Volunteer Information

What do CFS volunteers do?

What will it cost me?

How do I become a volunteer?

CFS Membership?

Cadets

 

What do CFS volunteers do?

Regardless of which role(s) you wish to undertake the CFS will provide full training by experienced and qualified trainers.

The CFS offers a range of roles including:

  • Firefighter
  • Radio Operation
  • Catering
  • Administration Support
  • Operational Support
  • Community Education
  • Fundraising

You will be working side by side with other volunteers in times of emergency and you will learn new and valuable skills that will assist you in day-to-day life and in your workplace. 

Most of all you get to help make your community a safer place to live in and enjoy the support of the rest of your community for your efforts. 

All members of the Service will tell you that the personal benefits they receive more than compensate for the time invested.

 

What will it cost me?

Basically your time and dedication

Volunteers are expected to attend Brigade training sessions that usually occur on a weekly basis. You will be told how much time you are expected to commit when you speak with your local Brigade.

As a CFS volunteer you are not expected to pay for your protective clothing uniform. You will be provided with all the training and equipment necessary to undertake your role.

 

How do I become a volunteer?

If you would like to join the CFS please look in the telephone book for the number of your nearest CFS brigade to find out if your local brigade is recruiting.

You can also call CFS Recruitment Hotline on 1300 364 587 or send an e-mail to cfsrecruitment@cfs.org.au.

 

What will happen next?

Before you are able to join, you must agree to a Confidential Criminal Records Check that is conducted by the South Australian Police.

You can get a copy of the form from your local Brigade. All instructions and postal details are included on the form.

Once the Confidential Criminal Records Check has been undertaken you will receive a letter from the Chief Executive Officer to tell you if you are able to apply to your local Brigade or if your application has been rejected.

If you are able to apply take the letter to the Brigade Captain or Administrative Officer.

Your application to join is voted on by the Brigade members at a General meeting. The Brigade may accept, reject or defer your application.

If you are accepted you will be on probation for six (6) months. During this time you must successfully complete level one fire fighter training.

 

CFS Membership

Opportunities exist within your local CFS Brigade for positions as:

 

CFS Cadets

If you are between 11 and 18 years old you can join the CFS as a cadet. As a cadet you will be trained by qualified and experienced volunteer firefighters in:

  • Firefighting skills 
  • Using fire hydrants and hoses 
  • Using ladders Fire extinguishers 
  • Using CFS radios 
  • Map reading 
  • Basic first aid.

 

CFS Firefighters

Volunteer Firefighters are trained to deal with all kinds of emergencies including:

  • Bush and grass fires
  • Structural fires
  • Storm damage and floods
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Hazardous chemical spills
  • Industrial accidents

 

CFS Auxiliary

Auxiliary members provide a range of services such as:

  • Radio operations
  • Logistics
  • Catering
  • Administration.

 

CADETS

"Creating the Future” as a CFS Cadet

If you are interested in learning heaps, having fun and making some really great friends then the CFS is ready for you to join us now!

Your enthusiasm and participation will see you as an important member in a team environment with your peers allowing you to achieve and experience firefighting skills, first aid, map reading, radio communications, fire hydrants and hoses.

To find out what the closest cadet CFS brigade to your home is, young men and women between the ages of 11 and 18 can ring 1300 364 587.