RURAL areas are still on “struggle street” when it comes to gaining new Country Fire Service (CFS) volunteers, despite a spike in recruitment across South Australia.
New figures have revealed 613 members have joined the CFS since the start of December in addition to 3800 online recruitment enquiries.
However, Kingsley CFS group officer Grant Fensom said the increase in numbers across the state hadnot been reflected in all regional areas.
Despite a catastrophic bushfire season nationwide, Mr Fensom said the Kingsley group was still desperate for young people to step up and join.
“We are still on struggle street and now as we approach winter is the perfect time for people to come forward and join, so training can be completed in preparation for next fire season,” Mr Fensom said.
“Anyone who would like to get involved, we will welcome with open arms.”
While Kangaroo Island, Keilira and Cudlee Creek were hit with devastating bushfires, the Kingsley jurisdiction was spared any serious incidents.
Mr Fensom fears it may take a serious bushfire in the region to spark people into action, but urged residents not to wait.
“When it is in your own backyard it becomes real, but by then it will be too late,” Mr Fensom said.
“People need to understand signing up does not occur overnight, there is clearance checks and training that needs to occur.”
Mount Gambier CFS captain Bob Davis said the situation was not as dire in the brigades surrounding the central business district.
“We are lucky that we can capitalise on the larger population of people in Mount Gambier, whereas Kinglsey do not have that luxury,” Mr Davis said.
“We have had a fair bit of interest over the summer months following the major events, but there are still some brigades that have
vacancies.”
He said the Tarpeena brigade was desperate for members.
“We will have to run a campaign to try and attract more members at Tarpeena as they have a number of vacancies,” Mr Davis said.
Mr Fensom said people should look at it as an opportunity to give back to their community.
“I know there are plenty of people with lots of time on their hands who could be giving that time back to the community,” he said.
“I understand people have lives and we have been working really hard as an organisation to ensure people’s livelihoods are paramount.
“I know many people who have come away with a great sense of fulfillment from being a volunteer with the CFS.”
Mr Fensom said he was willing to take calls on 0418 854 595 from anyone with questions about becoming a CFS volunteer.
