Camden Scholz – Rocky Point RFB
Camden Scholz – Rocky Point RFB
My name is Camden, and I’m a proud volunteer at Rocky Point Rural Fire Station, located in South East Queensland. I joined the Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) while still in school at the age of 16. As a junior member, I quickly learned that the RFSQ is so much more than just fighting fires and being on the front lines. It’s an opportunity to develop real world skills, be part of a close-knit team, and contribute to protecting the community. At just 21, I became the youngest officer in the history of the Rocky Point Rural Fire Brigade. This was an incredible milestone in both my personal and professional life. Volunteering within the RFSQ has shown me what I’m capable of, and it has led me to pursue a professional career in fire management services. It’s helped shape who I am and sparked a lifelong passion for firefighting. It’s given me a sense of purpose and a firsthand understanding of what it truly means to serve. As a young officer I’m passionate about leading by example and I hope to inspire other young people to consider volunteering in the RFSQ. The camaraderie is a huge part of it too, our brigade isn’t just a crew; it’s a second family. We train together, laugh together, and support one another. The friendships I’ve made in the brigade are unlike any others. You form bonds that run deep. We look out for each other, push each other to grow, and carry each other through the tough days. The RFSQ isn’t just a place to volunteer, it’s a place to grow, to serve, and to be part of something that truly matters. And the best part? You don’t need to know everything before you start. Just show up, be willing to learn, and give it your best.
Haylee Haynes – Tumoulin RFB
Haylee Haynes – Tumoulin RFB
My name is Haylee, I am 22 years old and currently serve as the third officer of the Tumoulin Rural Fire Brigade, located in the Northern Tablelands Region - having become a volunteer member with them since 2021. I had developed a curiosity for what would be required to be an RFSQ volunteer seeing the yellow trucks out in our area and being aware of them attending community events. I began my volunteer journey when I heard the brigade was looking for new members to join them and help to support the community. My dad was already a volunteer, and I spoke to him about wanting to be involved too, so my next step was to go to the station to find out more. I met with the first officer who talked me through what being a brigade volunteer involved and what would be expected of me as a member, which motivated me to start my volunteer journey. I have found that undertaking the training and gaining new skills has developed my ability and self-confidence to step outside of my comfort zone. Volunteering has allowed me to visit new and different places and to meet a whole range of interesting people. I now understand how the brigade offers so much support outside of “just the firefighting”. A memorable moment for me came during a hazard reduction burn at Mount Surprise, where I was able to not only develop my own skills but also to assist the newer members who came out with us. I enjoyed seeing everyone getting on and working together with the common aim of helping to prepare Mount Surprise for the upcoming higher risk bushfire period. It was just so personally rewarding for me and gives me the confidence to continue my volunteering commitment.
Lewis Groves – Gympie South RFB
Lewis Groves – Gympie South RFB
My name is Lewis, and I am a volunteer with the Gympie South Rural Fire Brigade, located in the Fraser Coast area. I joined the Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) a few months before my 20th birthday, and it has undoubtedly been best decision I’ve ever made. At Gympie South I am a third-generation firefighter with my father, who is still an active member of 25 years and my grandfather being part of the founding members of the Gympie South brigade. Although it is exciting to respond to fire and support the community in times of need, what really inspires me to volunteer are the members of Gympie South and the volunteers across RFSQ. These like-minded people, who have all joined for the same reason, is what motivates me to keep coming back week after week. The positivity and camaraderie of all the volunteers I have met from all ages never ceases to amaze me, especially when the work is hot and exhausting at the best of times. One of my most memorable experiences would have been recently organising and coordinating our Brigade’s 25-year reunion. To be able to unite the founding members of our Brigade and showcasing just how far, we as a Brigade and a service have come in such a short time; it was very empowering. It also allowed our new members to hear the stories of the “old days” and how far we have come in the service. Young people are the next generation of firefighters. On top of the training that is delivered by Brigades, the life skills and people you meet as a volunteer lasts a lifetime. Not only do we respond and assist in times of disaster, but we learn leadership, people management, and teamwork skills which are invaluable not only in our roles at RFSQ, but also in our personal and working lives. Every day as a volunteer firefighter has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace new experiences. Whether that be assisting in times of disaster or engaging with community members at the local markets.