CFA South West

01/09/2026

CFA has a new module to help tourism businesses develop a bushfire plan.

You and your staff are valuable sources of information for your visitors. Not all visitors will be aware of the fire risk, and they’ll look to you for guidance.
• Complete the FREE module
• DOWNLOAD our plan template

31/08/2026

CFA is accelerating driver training innovation with the arrival of the first of five new mobile driving simulators.

Breaking new ground across Victoria’s emergency services, this project reflects CFA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening volunteer driving capability.

The cutting-edge simulators have been made by Motum Simulation in partnership with CFA to develop scenarios, environment and hazards that make this simulation not only realistic, but immersive with the aim to see improvements to the safety of our crews.

CFA Deputy Chief Officer for Operational Doctrine and Training Rohan Luke said the mobile simulators play a vital role in preparing volunteers for high-risk driving scenarios in a safe, controlled environment, including scenarios that are challenging to replicate in real life.

“These include emergency response driving (with lights and sirens), navigating firegrounds and managing potential rollovers in challenging off-road conditions,” Rohan said.

Equipped with virtual reality (VR) headsets and eye-tracking technology, the simulators will provide an immersive and realistic driving experience, helping drivers sharpen critical skills like spatial awareness, mirror checking and hazard perception.

The 6 Degrees of Freedom motion technology allows the driver to move forwards and backwards, up and down, left and right and pitch, yaw and roll.

Rohan said the first completed simulator is currently being showcased at the AFAC26 conference and will then be placed at CFA’s Central Highlands training campus for testing.

“The second simulator will be delivered to CFA by the end of September which will be utilised for training across the state,” Rohan said.

“The final three simulators are scheduled for delivery by the end of this year. Once delivered, the simulators will be fully mobile and travel across the state, providing access to volunteers in both urban and rural locations.

“These simulators, along with ongoing licensing and driving training efforts, will help ensure our members are well-equipped to drive safely and effectively, both now and into the future.”

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan AFSM said it’s great to see this innovative project come to fruition.

“CFA is always looking at new technologies and ways to improve our volunteer training and experience,” Jason said.

“These state-of-the-art driving simulators will be an incredible asset to CFA and will further boost our driver training capability.”

The $1.29m project is part of the Upskilling and Protecting our Firefighters Program, funded by the Victorian Government.

19/08/2026

AFAC has just dropped the Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Spring, and it’s pointing to an earlier start to the season this year. Parts of eastern and western Victoria are already feeling the pinch from drought, which means a higher bushfire risk as we head into spring and summer.

Under these conditions, we could see multiple large fires as early as October in parts of the state — so now’s the perfect time to get your plan and property sorted.

A few quick wins:
📋 Update your fire plan
🌱 Keep long grass mowed
🏡 Clear out those gutters

Being prepared genuinely makes a difference. For more practical tips on getting ready for the season, head to CFA’s property prep guide.

14/08/2026

Burning continues through winter across the Barwon South West Region.

📲 Get notified before planned burns happen near you.

Sign up today for free alerts through Planned Burns Victoria and receive updates by text or email when burns are planned in your selected areas www.vic.gov.au/plannedburns

If weather and forest conditions are right, firefighters will light the following burns in the coming days:

Barwon South West:
📍Anglesea - Anglesea Heath (424 hectares)

Without planned burning and other fuel management works, bushfires will be bigger and harder for our firefighters to control.

🔥You may see or smell smoke.
👀 Watch for our crews and follow their directions.
📞 If you experience symptoms that may be due to smoke exposure, please seek medical advice or call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24.
🌐Detailed information about current air quality throughout Victoria can be found at www.epa.vic.gov.au

Unexpected weather conditions can mean plans change at the last minute and a burn may not go ahead, even if communities have already been notified. When this happens, our crews will continue to monitor the conditions and re-schedule the burn for a later date.

VicEmergency - Barwon South West
CFA South West
Surf Coast Shire Council

11/08/2026

🚒 Last night at Inter Brigade Training, members undertook a Pre Incident Plan (PIP) discussion and site visit to the historic Barwon Heads Golf Club Clubhouse.

Understanding site layouts, fire panels, water sources and pump infrastructure helps ensure we're prepared to respond effectively should an emergency occur.

As a heritage-listed and highly valued community asset, planning and preparation are vital to protecting this important local landmark.

A big thank you to Barwon Heads Golf Club and all participating Brigades and members for their involvement.

Barwon Heads Fire Brigade

06/08/2026

On behalf of our CFA South West community, thank you to CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan AFSM for six years of dedicated service and leadership at CFA. We wish you all the very best in your next chapter with St John Ambulance NSW. 🚒💙

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan AFSM has advised that he will be stepping down from his position as Chief Officer to accept the role of Chief Executive Officer at St John Ambulance NSW.

During his time at CFA, CO Heffernan has led the Victorian community through major fires and led CFA through significant change with his clear and calm leadership.

CO Heffernan will continue his work with CFA until November.

We thank him for his leadership and dedication to our members throughout his six years at CFA.

05/08/2026

Colac, our local volunteers at Colac Fire Brigade need your help!

If you have CCTV or dashcam footage from the area, or believe you may have seen something relevant, please send us a private message or contact the Colac Police.

30/07/2026

CFA South West is deeply saddened by the loss of three firefighters in Greece.

Our thoughts are with their families, friends and fellow firefighters. Their sacrifice reminds us of the courage, dedication and selflessness shown by firefighters around the world every day.

We are deeply saddened by the news of three firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty in Greece.

On behalf of CFA, we extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, colleagues and the wider firefighting community.

These tragic events serve as a powerful reminder of the courage and dedication firefighters demonstrate every day to protect their communities.

30/07/2026

Members of the CFA Corangamite Group recently took the opportunity to recognise the outstanding support provided by the Gellibrand Hotel and its owner, Dorthe Koorn, during the Otways fire.

At a recent Corangamite Group appreciation dinner held at the hotel, Gellibrand Captain Tony Robertson, Kawarren Captain Tim Phillips, and Carlisle River Captain Rob May presented Dorthe with a token of appreciation on behalf of the local brigades.

Throughout the Otways fire campaign, the Gellibrand Hotel played a vital role in supporting firefighters and emergency personnel, providing meals, hospitality and a welcoming place for crews working long hours to protect local communities.

The Corangamite Group sincerely thanks Dorthe and the entire Gellibrand Hotel team for their generosity, kindness and unwavering support during a challenging time.

The contribution of local businesses such as the Gellibrand Hotel is an important reminder that successful emergency responses not only rely on volunteers, but also on the strength and resilience of the whole community.

30/07/2026

Are you passionate about fire safety and community engagement?

In this rewarding role, you will provide support to volunteer brigades and facilitate the provision of fire safety awareness and information to the community, by conducting CFA's fire safety programs.

You'll provide essential fire safety information, advice and recommendations to the local community while working closely with local brigades to strengthen relationships. You'll assist and support brigade Captains and members, ensuring the successful delivery of programs.

Help ion and conducting quality reviews to ensure the effectiveness of our programs. Multiple casual opportunities available in Warrnambool, Casterton, Hamilton, Colac, Geelong and Portland!

To apply or for more information: https://www.careers.vic.gov.au/job/community-education-presenter-76542