By Bronwyn Hastings

The Country Fire Authority West Region’s newly appointed deputy chief officer Scott Turner is fast learning the lay of the land – geographically and colloquially.

Hailing from South Australia, he has spent his career in emergency management and has been part of VICSES and Forest Fire Management Victoria.

“I’ve got to learn all these Victorian things – it’s a parma, not a parmi, and everyone reminds me I barrack for an AFL team, not a VFL team,” he said.

Mr Turner volunteered for South Australia’s Country Fire Service, starting at 18 years of age, more than 35 years ago.

“I was in the Country Fire Service, as staff and as a volunteer, which was unique and a privilege,” he said.

“Coming into West Region is a great opportunity for me to keep stretching the brain – when chief officer Heffernan phoned and said, ‘Look, I’ve got some deputy chief jobs going, please apply,’ it was a no-brainer.

“I’m extremely pleased to be back in a volunteer fire agency.”

Mr Turner said apart from his own learning, he was looking forward to building a greater connection between frontline volunteers, brigade groups, districts, regions and the state.

“It’s also about celebrating what we’ve got – things like brigade administration support officers in districts, which is unique to Victoria, is a huge initiative,” he said.

“It’s also celebrating our community being part of CFA, and CFA being part of the community. 

“We’ve got our Get Fire Ready coming up next month, which shows how our brigade members are partners with the community, but it’s also reminding the community that they have responsibilities. 

“That’s a big one for me.”

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Mr Turner has worked in emergency management across Australia and internationally in many roles, for fires, floods, cyclones and the pandemic. 

“The one thing I’ve learned is partnership; if we don’t have other agencies with us or we don’t have community with us, then it’s a lot of work for emergency responders,” he said.

“We still have lots of risk across the landscape, and many of our community members think the CFA or the government should do something about it, but Get Fire Ready is about everyone having responsibility for readiness.”

Mr Turner said there was huge community uptake for assistance following last season’s major fires, and he was keen to continue the partnership.

“But also looking at our brigades in West Region backing what happens in CFA, and bringing back to CFA, from what I remember as a young volunteer living across the border and looking into Victoria, a united CFA,” he said.

“It’s a really exciting time to be in Victoria – there are a lot of things happening, lots of new initiatives. 

“In the four weeks I’ve been here, talking to brigade members and group officers, I think people are excited whilst they’re challenged by some of the changes coming.”

Mr Turner said among the changes was new personal protective equipment and planning decisions.

“We’re starting to be serious about respiratory protection,” he said.

“We’ve listened to people about the old strike team ‘hurry up and wait’ in how we’re doing our strike team planning and meals.

“It’s important the voice of the frontline volunteer, who’s giving their time, isn’t lost when we make big policy decisions for CFA, and ultimately for Victoria.”