Tim Welshe was only 16 when he volunteered to join the Country Fire Authority. Now 30, the diesel mechanic is captain of the Diggers Rest brigade. He tells Sumeyya Ilanbey about life in what was once “small country town”.
What’s your connection to Diggers Rest?
I’ve lived in Diggers for 11 years and was a member of the brigade prior to moving. It was the dynamic – the environment and the surrounding areas – that drew me to it, the country feel of it.
What’s your favourite thing about living in Diggers Rest?
The community and the way everyone bands together, unlike a larger city. Whenever, as a brigade, we need assistance, there are always people locally who help us out.
What would you change about the area if you could?
Development of the town has brought about a lot of infrastructure, so not a great deal of infrastructure change is needed. Maybe maintaining that country feeling would be the main thing.
Where’s your favourite place to hang out in Diggers Rest?
Obviously the fire station. It’s different to my day job where I’m a mechanic relying on myself and my small team. At the brigade, I’m working with a well-trained, dynamic team who are all there for a common good. I’m either working on the trucks at the station or at home. I pretty much keep to myself.
Why did you decide to join the CFA?
Emergency service runs in my family. It was a natural progression growing up that I would join one of the emergency services, and I decided to join the fire service. The dynamic of the work the fire services do … plus a lot of my friends were in the brigade, so I was following them, and it allowed me to build a network and build camaraderie.
What have been some of the highlights of working at the Diggers Rest fire brigade?
It’d be the interaction I’ve been able to have with other people in town, other volunteers, and the friendships I’ve formed.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering here?
Having the ability to see people grow, and their skill sets when training them or working with them. Seeing someone come off the street, apprehensive of fire, and then knowing how to work with fire and put it out, is fantastic.
The Diggers Rest fire station, at 1 Plumpton Road, will hold a recruitment drive from 7am, Monday, September 12.
