Meerlieu Rural Fire Brigade

31/08/2026

Over the weekend, four members of the brigade completed their Breathing Apparatus (BA) qualification after undertaking a one-night, two-day course — a significant commitment from everyone involved.

Captain James Blandford, 3rd Lieutenant Zoe Blandford, and firefighters Jake and Sam Veldhuizen have now joined 2nd Lieutenant Tony Wright and firefighter Nick Blandford, who completed the course earlier this year.

This brings us to six qualified BA operators within the brigade — a major milestone for Meerlieu CFA.

As a result, we will now be receiving Breathing Apparatus equipment on our truck, significantly expanding our operational capability.

More importantly, this qualification and equipment will improve the safety of our members when responding to and tackling different types of fires.

A fantastic achievement for the brigade and a significant step forward in building our capability for the future. 👏🔥

26/07/2026

Reminder that the national test for the Emergency Alert System is today!

19/05/2026

This National Volunteer Week, we’d like to recognise and thank all of the volunteers who give their time to help protect and support our community. Volunteering with the brigade is a great way to give back, learn new skills and be part of a team that helps others when needed. The ongoing commitment shown by our members is something we really appreciate. 👏

A special congratulations to our two newest recruits, Jake and Sam Veldhuizen, who officially became qualified firefighters last week after completing their General Firefighter (GFF) training over the past few months. 👨‍🚒 A great achievement and the result of plenty of hard work and training.

🔥 If you’ve ever thought about joining, now is a great time to get involved with your local brigade so you can be trained and ready before the next fire season. Whether you want to become an operational firefighter or help support the brigade in other ways, there’s a place for everyone.

If you’re interested in joining or would like more information, feel free to get in touch.

11/05/2026

It’s great to see CFA (Country Fire Authority) recognising our very own Zoe Blandford 👏🔥

Have a read and see why she chose to volunteer for our community!

If anyone else is thinking about joining, now is the perfect time to sign up so we can get you trained up before summer 🚒

Like many volunteer organisations, our brigade is getting older, and we need to start training up the next generation to help protect our community into the future. No matter your experience, there’s a role for everyone 👍

After moving home to her local town of Meerlieu, just 2km from the fire shed, Zoe Blandford jumped at the opportunity to volunteer for CFA to reconnect and lend a hand. 🙋🏼‍♀️🚒

With a background in mining in WA as part of the emergency response team, Zoe’s skillset has been a valuable asset to CFA and one she has found to be extremely transferrable! 🌟

Read more: https://news.cfa.vic.gov.au/news/skillset-an-asset-at-meerlieu-fire-brigade

04/05/2026

Today we recognise the members of our Meerlieu CFA Brigade and the role they play in keeping our community safe.

As volunteers for our community, they give their time to respond to fires, accidents and other emergencies, often at short notice, showing an ongoing commitment to protect our community.

We thank all members for their service. 👏

Today we recognise those who's duty it is to run towards danger when others are told to leave.

On International Firefighter Day, we thank our incredible CFA members and all of those who protect communities in times of crisis and every day in between.

Your courage, commitment and care don't go unnoticed.

08/04/2026

Last night we held our Brigade AGM and elections, with 14 members attending in person and another 4 joining online — the first time we’ve run a hybrid meeting.

A big thank you to Acting Commander Sean Pacher for attending and overseeing the meeting.

We’re pleased to announce our Brigade Management Team for the next two years:

Captain – James Blandford
1st Lieutenant – Lou Maher
2nd Lieutenant – Tony Wright
3rd Lieutenant – Zoe Blandford
4th Lieutenant – Rory Blandford

Secretary – Nick Blandford
Treasurer – Nick Blandford

Community Safety Officer – Zoe Blandford
Brigade Safety Officer – Georgina Preston
Brigade Training Officer – James Blandford
Communications Officer – James Blandford

Group Delegates – James Blandford, Lou Maher & Zoe Blandford
VFBV Delegate – James Blandford

The brigade is in a strong position, and we look forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead over the next two years.

06/04/2026

The Fire Danger Period has ended in the Wellington and East Gippsland Shires.

While you no longer need a permit to light a fire, you still need to practise safe fire behaviour. Check weather conditions, ensure you have an adequate supply of water on hand and never leave a fire unattended.

If you are planning on lighting a fire, please register your burns with the CFA. The number is 1800 668 511. This fast and easy process helps stop unnecessary turn-outs for our volunteers.

04/04/2026

🐰🌼 Happy Easter from Meerlieu CFA 🌼🐰

Wishing everyone in our community a safe and happy Easter. We hope you’re enjoying the long weekend with family, friends, and a well-earned break.

As we head towards the end of the Fire Danger Period, a reminder that fire restrictions lift on Tuesday 7th April.

This doesn’t mean it’s open slather.

If you’re planning a burn-off:
🔥 Make sure you register your burn
🔥 Check the weather conditions and avoid windy days
🔥 Prepare your area properly with firebreaks and water on hand
🔥 Stay with your burn at all times and ensure it’s fully extinguished

Taking the time to do it right helps keep you, your neighbours, and our crews safe.

Enjoy the Easter break — and stay safe 🔥🚒

10/03/2026

🔥 Friday Night Raffles at the Lindenow Farmers Home Hotel 🔥

Join us this Friday night at the Lindenow Farmers Home Hotel, with all raffle proceeds being donated to the Meerlieu CFA 🚒

🎟 Tickets are on sale now and will be drawn at 7:30pm Friday night.

Ticket Prices:
1 – $2
3 – $5
6 – $10
12 – $20
30 – $50

There are 20 great prizes up for grabs, including:

🥩 4 x Meat Trays
🍺 4 x 6 Packs of B**r
🦞 2 x Seafood Trays
🦐 2 x Seafood Vouchers
🍷 2 x Cases of W**e
🪵 1 x Load of Wood
🎂 1 x Jemma Louise Cake Box
🍻 1 x Lindenow Hotel Voucher
🚗 1 x Bucket of Car Cleaning Products
🛠 1 x 39 Piece ¾ Kingchrome Socket Set
🍫 1 x Box of Chocolates

A big thank you to the generous businesses who have donated prizes towards the raffle:
JB Coastal Seafoods, Supercheap Auto Bairnsdale, Elders Bairnsdale, Lindenow Farmers Home Hotel, Coonmoor Farms and Jemma Louise Cakes.

Come down for a great night at the pub, grab a few tickets and help support the Meerlieu CFA volunteers 🚒