CFA District 18

01/09/2026

26/08/2026

Please note enrolments are closing this Friday for the Provide First Aid course at the Lake Boga Fire Station.

20/08/2026

👋Would you look at that, another edition of our famous (or so we like to think) District 18 Channel 518 for your perusing.

We know you're looking for a reason to be on your phone at work, we think reading our newsletter is a pretty good one. 😏

In this edition, our amazing BASOs, Commanders and ACFO have been out and about presenting awards, running Command & Control sessions and attending / hosting our inaugural District 18 Women’s forum (the office has been rather quiet without them all here).

We even have some stories about some of our newest recruits in Murrayville and Cowangie learning the ropes and some of our more senior members from Manangatang and Robinvale freshening up on their skills.

🤩Sounds pretty good doesn’t it? That’s because it is!

Our Catchment teams do a wonderful job of putting together articles for our newsletter but we would love to include more stories from our brigades themselves. If you have a story and some pretty photos you would like to share with us, we would love to include them in our upcoming editions, you can email your submissions to [email protected]. 📸

18/08/2026

Between Calls | Episode 33 — Euan Ferguson

I’m incredibly proud to share Episode 33 of Between Calls, featuring Euan Ferguson, former CFA Chief Officer and volunteer 4th Lieutenant at Woosang Brigade, in the Wedderburn Group.

Euan brings a remarkable depth of experience to this conversation, having held senior executive roles across four states and worked extensively across fire, emergency management, forestry, response and recovery. His career has included leadership at a national level, including as former President of AFAC and Chair of the National Aerial Firefighting Centre.

What makes this conversation particularly valuable, however, is not simply Euan’s impressive career history. It is the insight and reflection he brings to the experiences along the way.

We explore the importance of taking the time to reflect on our experiences, learning from every incident and situation, and considering how those lessons can shape the way we lead, respond and support others in the future.

There are some great lessons here for members at every stage of their CFA journey, from those just beginning their volunteering through to experienced operational members and leaders.

A thoughtful, honest and incredibly informative conversation with someone who has seen a great deal of our emergency management landscape.

🎙️ Between Calls — Episode 33: Euan Ferguson, Woosang Brigade

YouTube: https://youtu.be/4ljkvgzyyg0

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0tJo8V9jFmh7BAN4ZoHrFu?si=8fc6254af4b74c61

12/08/2026

WOW WOW WOW! That's our new District 18 friends on the news! 🤩

We love seeing our local volunteers showcased and recognised for the amazing work they do! We can't wait to see the amazing things these five recruits are going to achieve. 💫

10/08/2026

👟🚶‍♀️CFA Health Services have announced that they are once again running STEPtember for 2026! 🚶👟

STEPtember is an annual CFA exercise challenge to encourage healthy habits, team building, and connection among CFA members.

If that isn't motivation enough, did we mention that there are prizes? 🏅

Yep that's right, if your team has a little pep in your step and you end up being one of the top 3 teams, CFA Health Services will send you a prize for your efforts. 🤩

Now what are you waiting for? Team registrations close on 31 August 2026! Step to it and register your team today!

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=KjBEBHzPrUu7TnLD5rhAnYwoAGBfVT9BtVIoYlh_GnhUNkZPVElVMjlMWDNFRlVGVFAySzBVUjdZNC4u

03/08/2026

🔥 NEW DATE – REVIEWING YOUR MEMBERSHIP WORKSHOP! 🔥
Missed out on the first opportunity? We’ve got you covered!
The Reviewing Your Membership workshop has a new date — Wednesday 12 August — providing another opportunity for members to get involved.
The workshop will provide you with the knowledge, tools and practical approach to review your brigade’s current membership, identify potential gaps and opportunities, and consider what your brigade needs to remain strong and sustainable into the future.
Whether you missed the original session or haven’t submitted an EOI yet, now is the time to get involved!
📅 Wednesday 12 August
📋 Submit your Expression of Interest:
https://forms.office.com/r/csaucCvqMT
🔥 Get your EOI in now and secure your place!
The more members and brigades involved, the stronger the discussion — so don’t miss this opportunity to be part of it.

31/07/2026

The NWR Learning & Development Members Online Page has been refreshed and is now easier than ever to navigate!

✅ Access to Learning Hub updates
✅ Find skills maintenance information
✅ Explore volunteer instructing opportunities
✅ Get answers to frequently asked questions
✅ Connect with your Regional Learning & Development team

We've also introduced a dedicated Brigade and Group Training Coordinator section, bringing together the information, tools and resources needed to support the role in one convenient location.

https://www.members.cfa.vic.gov.au/portfolios/chief-officer-and-service-delivery/regions/north-west-region/regional-learning-and-development

Jump online and check out the new look today!

24/07/2026

AusAlert is a new national warning system that uses the latest technology to send emergency messages to compatible mobile devices during local and national disasters.
AusAlert messages keep communities informed so they can take action, saving lives and property.
This system will be tested on Monday 27th July at 2pm.
Find out more at https://www.ausalert.gov.au/alerts-explained/national-test