Mooroopna CFA receive truck training for fire season

1. NEWS - Nov 10 2018 Mooroopna CFA receive truck training for fire season by ASHLEA WITOSLAWSKI Bolstering resources: TIDE Training donated two truck training licences to Mooroopna CFA volunteers in time for the impending fire danger period. Picture: Megan Fisher Mooroopna CFA will be better equipped for the fire season with the support of two new truck licences. The donation is by TIDE Training, which was inspired to help the local community after learning about the dangerous fire season ahead due to drier-than-normal conditions across the region. CFA operations officer Travis Harris was thankful for the generous support offered as the local brigades prepare for a predictably long fire season. ‘‘By indirectly providing their services they’re assisting the community, helping their local fire brigade build capacity,’’ Mr Harris said. Mr Harris said the CFA was often short on drivers and this was an important skill needed. ‘‘It’s helping to improve their skills and knowledge and will help in many situations,’’ he said.

2. TIDE Training director Tom Russell said the Melbourne-based company moved to Mooroopna in 2011 and wanted to give back to the community that had embraced it. Mr Russell and his team provided Heavy Rigid and Heavy Combination truck training, helping local volunteers Dean O’Hara and Rodger Doherty get the new licences and acquire new skills. ‘‘We’re heading into a bad fire season and this will help keep them up to date with regulations and new road laws,’’ he said. The pair was delighted to have been selected by Mooroopna CFA to further their capabilities and support their brigade. ‘‘We’re really happy to have the great privilege from TIDE,’’ Mr O’Hara said. Mr Doherty, a volunteer for four years, echoed Mr O’Hara’s sentiment and said he was glad to be able to learn more skills to support the Mooroopna CFA. ‘‘It’s great learning something new and different and it’s all a life-saving thing,’’ he said. Mr O’Hara, a volunteer for a year, reminded the community to be prepared for this fire season. ‘‘We’ve already had a few fires this season so it’s important to get your plans in place, tidy up your property and clean your gutters,’’ he said. Mooroopna CFA is a volunteer co-ordinated brigade and Mr O’Hara encouraged people to come down to have a chat and get involved. ‘‘We are all volunteers and there are always opportunities,’’ he said.