Merton Group CFA

08/05/2026

It will be a great buy.

01/04/2026

A reminder of the special risks we face with solar panels. Great solution with PVStop to make operations safe.

07/02/2026

We too remember.

Thinking of all families affected, and our CFA colleagues still impacted by this devastating day.

Today, 17 years on, the Churchill Fire Brigade — along with many brigades across the state — pauses to reflect on a devastating day for our community and for Victoria.

We remember those who lost their lives, and we acknowledge the profound and lasting impacts the Black Saturday fires had on our surrounding communities.

From tragedy came strength. Our community has grown more resilient, but the lessons of that day remain clear. We must stay vigilant, prepared, and committed to doing everything we can to prevent another day like it.

26/01/2026

Congratulations Emma and Gavin on your AFSMs. Great supporters of Merton Group and our brigades.

👏👏

02/01/2026

Is this how you operate?

We can all learn something from this sage advice.

Captain's Corner: Putting Yourself in Someone Else’s Boots

As a Captain of a fire brigade, I have often been asked questions about why some decisions have been made by someone, particularly when the person asking thought they knew better. In a job like ours, where decisions are sometimes made in seconds and under pressure, it’s easy to look back later and think there was a better option.

But when you take the time to ask the person making the decision at the time why they made it, nine times out of ten it makes sense. They were there. They had the information available in that moment. They were balancing risk, safety, and the welfare of their crew and the community.

Making assumptions and thinking you know better, when you weren’t there, can be fraught with danger. It can undermine trust, damage teamwork, and distract us from what really matters—learning and improving together.

How many times have you found yourself doing that? Does it help the situation? Does it offer any sage advice or real assistance? Or does it simply create noise after the fact?

One of the most valuable skills we can develop, both on and off the fireground, is the ability to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes. To listen first, seek understanding, and recognise that context matters. When we do that, we build stronger teams, make better decisions, and show the respect that every member of our brigades deserve.

In the end, it’s not about who knows better—it’s about learning better, together.

If this is something that sounds like an environment you would like to be part of, our brigades are always looking for more team oriented members!

*Photo credit: Art Petty

27/11/2025

The latest advice. Some improvement for the West and North West, but still increased risk for West and South Gippsland.

The AFAC Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Summer 2025 identifies an increased risk of fire for parts of Victoria, western and southern WA and parts of central northern NSW.

See the full Seasonal Bushfire Outlook here: https://www.afac.com.au/public-resources/seasonal-bushfire-outlook-summer-2025

Long term rainfall deficiencies persist over parts of southern SA, Victoria, Tasmania, and western WA with abundant surface fuels evident in parts of WA and northern and central western NSW.

Communities are encouraged to be vigilant and stay alert. It doesn’t matter what time of year, dangerous fires can still occur, even during normal bushfire seasons.

25/11/2025

On Sunday, brigades from Merton Group gathered at Churchill to take part in the annual Gordon Bolwell Trophy. Crews and appliances were judged for readiness and preparedness for the fire season, completed drafting using collar tanks and worked as teams to familiarise themselves with the other appliances in attendance. It was a close competition this year, with Morwell Fire Brigade winning on a countback over Yinnar Fire Brigade. the trophy was presented by Gordon's wife, Shirley, who attended along with family members. A BBQ lunch rounded off the day. Many thanks to the brigades who attended, to Yinnar Fire Brigade for organising, Churchill Fire Brigade for hosting and Boolarra Fire Brigade for the use of their BBQ trailer. Thank you also to the judges Group Officer Steve Barling and DGO1 Di Billingsley.

24/10/2025

The Fire Danger Period will commence at 1am on Monday 27th October 2025 for the Latrobe City Council Municipality

03/10/2025

🚒🔥 Get Fire Ready – This Weekend! 🔥🚒

Our local Merton Group Brigades are opening their doors to help you and your family get prepared for the fire season. Come along for free advice on fire plans, property preparedness, and plenty of family-friendly activities!

📅 Saturday 4 October 2025
👉 Yinnar Fire Brigade – 10am to 2pm
21 Bennett St, Yinnar VIC 3869

📅 Sunday 5 October 2025
👉 Yinnar South FIRE Brigade – 9:30am to 1pm
128 Middlecreek Rd, Yinnar South VIC 3869

👉 Yallourn North Urban Fire Brigade – 10am to 2pm
3 Anderson Ave, Yallourn North VIC 3825

👉 Morwell Fire Brigade– 9am to 1pm
Bunnings Morwell, Princes Dr, Morwell VIC

👉 Moe South Fire Brigade – 9am to 12pm
9 Lynne Ave, Moe South VIC 3825

👉 Tanjil Fire Brigade – 10am to 4pm
58 Anderson Rd, Yallourn North VIC 3825

👉 Churchill Fire Brigade – 9:30am to 12pm
1-3 Phillip Parade, Churchill VIC 3842

💡 Why come along?
✔ Free fire safety resources & advice
✔ Kids’ activities & family fun
✔ A chance to chat with your local CFA volunteers

🌐 Learn more about getting prepared: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare

🗓 Save the date, bring the family, and let’s get fire ready together!

20/08/2025

A great exercise with a bit of everything - BA & Search and Rescue, Command, Communications, Crew Leading. Well done Yallourn North Urban Fire Brigade and all the helpers, including our caterers from the Boolarra CFA.