General News
25 July, 2024
For the love of forests, fields and firefighting.
Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) are calling out to anyone with an interest in the safety of their community, and with a passion for the great outdoors, to contact them before the deadline for this year’s Project Firefighters (PFF) closes on July 28.
Macy Fuller grew up locally, and has found her way back as a full time Forest and Fire Operations Officer in Rainbow - the dream job of anyone who enjoys being out in the wilderness, driving heavy machinery, and working to prevent or battle natural disasters.
“I was looking for a job where I could be working outdoors, in the natural environment, and initially, being a PFF fit really well around my uni studies,” Ms Fuller said.
“I was looking for something challenging, rewarding, exciting, and that's exactly what this is.
“It's really dynamic with different kinds of work from one day to the next - it really varies.
“One day we are working with machinery - tractors and bulldozers, even aircrafts - the next, we are maintaining facilities in the National Park.
“Then the next day we are halfway across the state fighting fires.”
Ms Fuller said the best part of her job was working in the small towns and remote locations, and said she fully encourages anyone to give it a go.
“It is really close to my heart,” she said.
“Having such a strong connection to the community, and actually knowing that our work is benefiting the community by reducing the fire risk and maintaining the parks for locals to enjoy.
“The training opportunities that the department provides are amazing, and really help develop your personal skills, and your operational skills.
“They’ll set you up, for free, for a future in this industry, and many others.”
Mallee District’s acting district manager Andy Koren is based in Mildura, and said PFFs were a critical part of the role Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) teams play in keeping Victoria’s parks safe and enjoyable for all.
“The key message around the Project Firefighter Program is that, although it has ‘firefighter’ written in the title, the land management aspect is so important,” Mr Koren said.
“Weed control, slashing, we look after recreational facilities plus a few remote campgrounds in the state forest.
“In addition to that, we look after the state forest, and we do a lot of connecting country, where we look at creating corridors for some of our iconic native species such as Malleefowl.
“Some major projects include working with nurseries through to our crews drilling the holes, putting the tree guards in, planting and watering.
“On top of that, the crews also help us with weed control by discing, mulching and spraying, particularly along boundaries, to stop weeds spreading into the park and forest, and vice versa to prevent weeds going out onto the private land.
“It’s that community aspect of looking after the facilities, for all Victorians, and all others that come and visit - it is such an integral part of what we do.”
Mr Koren said DEECA has formed designated PFF positions for Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians, in the hopes of supporting the protection of Country, and the maintenance of spiritual and cultural practices for the original custodians of the land.
