Who are volunteers?
Volunteers come from all parts of the community, from a range of ages, backgrounds and differing life experiences.
They live in isolated rural areas, in large and small country towns and in the cities and the suburbs.
They are people just like you.
Many people who decide to become volunteers are motivated by a desire to do something for their community and help others in need.
However, there are other aspects to volunteering which people also find beneficial, such as:
- – Educating the community about fire safety
- – Continually learning and practicing new and useful skills
- – Operating in differing environments
- – Working as part of a team
- – Forming friendships and socialising together
When you join a brigade you become a valued member of a team who have an important job to do in protecting Tasmanian communities.
Becoming a volunteer
The first step is to Register Your Interest with your local brigade. You will then be put in contact with your local brigade by the Volunteer Stratey and Support Unit.
The Brigade Chief or First Officer will normally then invite you along to visit the brigade on one of its training nights.
There, you’ll be introduced to the members and given a tour of the station. The Brigade Chief or another officer will then talk to you about the brigade, why you’re interested in joining, and what sort of things you could be expected to do and learn over the next few months.
If you decide to continue, you’ll need to fill in an application form.
Apply
You will need to apply to become a volunteer by completing the relevant application form provided to you during your brigade visit.
If you are applying for adult membership, you:
- – Will be required to consent to a National Police History Record Check. The form will be provided for you by the brigade, and is no cost to you.
- – May be required to obtain a Working With Vulnerable People Registration if your brigade runs a Junior or Cadet Program, or regularly interacts with young people. The Tasmanian Government has made this no cost process for volunteer members for 2 years from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027.
- – May be required to have a medical check from your doctor depending on the role you wish to undertake in your brigade. This will be discussed with you by the Brigade Chief or First Officer, however is not usually required as part of your initial application.
If you are applying for Junior or Cadet membership, you’ll need your parent’s permission to join.
These documents and your discussion with the brigade members will form the basis of your application for membership.
Probation
Everyone who becomes a member of a brigade serves a probation period of at least three months. Probation is a trial period of learning and development, where you and the brigade members get to know each other and find out if you will be suited to your role and to the brigade. It also gives you an opportunity to learn about the role and decide if you want to go ahead with becoming a volunteer.
Selection
Successful members will be selected by the Brigade Chief or First Officer, often in consultation with the current members. Your suitability will be assessed on:
- – Your efforts in turning up and participating in brigade activities
- – The way you fit in with other members
- – Satisfactory completion of basic training
- – Your behaviour in upholding the values and reputation of the brigade and TFS