General News
24 May, 2023
CFA volunteer recalls dedicated decades
FRIENDSHIPS, a sense of responsibility and being part of something larger than the individual have been a driving force behind Jack Kenna’s more than 40 years volunteering with the Country Fire Authority (CFA).
FRIENDSHIPS, a sense of responsibility and being part of something larger than the individual have been a driving force behind Jack Kenna’s more than 40 years volunteering with the Country Fire Authority (CFA).
Mr Kenna, a member of The Sisters CFA fire brigade, is just one of more than 52,000 volunteers across Victoria’s CFA brigades.
He had initially joined knowing the vital role firefighters play in keeping communities safe, and felt a strong desire to contribute.
“You just knew in a time of crisis they would always be there,” Mr Kenna said.
“You needed to do your bit.
“We all assume responsibility if worst comes to worst, and we’ve had a pretty good track record over the years of handling ourselves pretty well if a major fire does come through.”
Mr Kenna said the connection he has built with a diverse group of volunteers over his years at The Sisters was reward in and of itself.
“We get on very well, and we’re lucky to have a few young blokes joining,” he said.
“Younger members coming on board is the lifeblood of any organisation, but you make friendships with the older blokes and the younger blokes alike.
“Whenever we have a meeting or anything like that, the younger and older blokes work pretty well together for a common goal.”
Mr Kenna said knowing those around you were there in support was integral, especially in his experience helping to contain major bushfires in the south west.
He still remembers the Ash Wednesday fires not only for the trail of destruction, but the anticipation how quickly the conditions could lead to something major.
“There was no bigger fire than Ash Wednesday; Not only because of the lives lost, but the terrible destruction,” Mr Kenna said.
“We’d had a very dry spring and a dry summer. Something had to give, and it did.
“That was the worst. Just to know in your heart of hearts that if a fire took hold, you couldn’t put it out. You just had to wait until it ran out itself.”
Mr Kenna was among the CFA volunteers to respond to fires in the Cudgee and Ballangeich areas.
Those fires led to the death of nine people, 50,000 hectares burnt, 872 houses and other buildings gutted, and almost 20,000 cattle and sheep dead.
“We got over to Ballangeich and just saw it in the distance,” he said.
“Our main aim was to just to get home again. And some people didn’t.
“Our district was pretty lucky, but still, some people didn’t get home.”
While some days have been harder than others, Mr Kenna said his experience had been “very rewarding”.
The Sisters CFA fire brigade, much as with many brigades across Victoria, are calling out for volunteers to ensure they have the capacity to react to any incident.
Mr Kenna said all would be welcome with open arms.
“Anyone is certainly welcome to join because numbers have been down a lot,” he said.
“It’s a great feeling to be part of something bigger than yourself. That’s the main thing.
“You’ve got that feeling of being able to give back.”