LUCAS FIRE STATION NO. 68 FIRE DOOR STILL BOARDED UP
Firefighters push for the safest solution — not the cheapest. Ballarat and Lucas firefighters continue to raise concerns over deteriorating station conditions, ageing appliances and a lack of investment in frontline safety. Professional firefighters in the region have not received a pay rise in five years — not even in line with CPI — while […]
Prominent Victorians had the rare opportunity to step into the world of firefighting at Fire Ops 101.
A group of prominent Victorians had the rare opportunity to step into the world of firefighting at Fire Ops 101. Participants were suited up, trained, and put through their paces in realistic scenarios our firefighters face every day. From medical emergencies to road crash rescues, participants were guided by our fantastic instructors, gaining an insight […]
Sally McManus Reflects on FireOps101 and the Need to Support & Reward Firefighters
Yesterday I participated in Fire Ops 101 training with the UFU Vic and Fire Rescue Victoria where I put out fires, used the jaws of life and crawled through smokey buildings simulating a tiny fraction of a day in the life of a professional firefighter. Victorian firefighters have not had a pay rise for years, […]
From the Fireground to the Union Movement: Women Leading Change
On 5 September, more than 150 women union members from across Victoria came together at the Women’s Rights at Work Conference — sharing wins, building solidarity, and driving the fight for safer, fairer workplaces. The UFU was proud to be represented by Leading Firefighter Cara Barker, who not only protects Victorians on the frontline but also coordinates the Fire […]
Memories from Fire Ops 101 – One Year On
Twelve months ago, Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) hosted a special edition of Fire Ops 101, which brought together leaders in cancer research and advocacy for a unique day of learning and reflection. Among the distinguished guests were Australian of the Year, Professor Georgina Long AO, Co-Medical Director of the Melanoma Institute Australia, and Todd Harper AM, CEO of […]
Shout of Thanks to Nick McGowan MP
Last Friday night, Nick McGowan MP swapped the suit for turnout gear and joined the crew at Fire Station 38 South Melbourne for a full night shift. Nick has already participated in the Fire Ops 101 program at the training academy — but this time he went one step further, riding alongside firefighters and experiencing the […]
Nick McGowan MP: A Thank You to Our Firefighters
Down at Walker Park, Nick McGowan MP takes a moment to send a massive thank you to FS38 and FS35, the UFU Vic – Pete, Laura, and Cara – and to all Victorian firefighters. Every hour of every day, while the community works, sleeps, and plays, these dedicated men and women are out there protecting […]
Meet the latest Fire Ops 101 graduates who aren’t afraid of a little heat
The immersive program at the Fire Rescue Victoria Academy in Craigieburn gives participants a real-world glimpse into the physical and mental demands firefighters face every day. From battling fires in full protective gear and navigating smoke filled rooms to responding to car accidents, medical emergencies and hazmat incidents, participants were given an insight into the range […]
Firefighters do so much more than squirt the wet stuff on the red stuff, rescue kitties up trees and feature in sizzling hot Christmas calendars!
Firefighters also provide critical medical treatment when they arrive at accidents before ambos. They also have specialised, high-angle Rope Rescue teams for urban search and rescues in high places. When buildings collapse, firefighters save people under rubble with drills, jackhammers, cameras and acoustic listening devices. Firefighters also have marine specialists who extinguish fires at ports […]
Kat Dunnell spoke with Tony McManus about his participation in FireOps 101
Kat Dunnell spoke with Tony McManus about his participation in FireOps 101. His officer for the day John Topic gets a shout out as well. To listen to the interview CLICK HERE