About Us

Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) is the CFA Volunteer association and peak body established under the Victorian Country Fire Authority Act 1958 (CFA Act) to specifically represent CFA Volunteers and ensure there is meaningful consultation with the elected representatives of Volunteers on all matters which may impact upon them.

More generally, under the CFA Volunteer Charter that is enshrined in Section 6 of the CFA Act, VFBV is recognised as the association representing all CFA volunteers, providing for their general representation to the CFA Board and management and to governments, ministers, members of parliament, councils, instrumentalities, business and the public.

VFBV is not a trades union, and our history predates CFA, with our predecessor associations being formed back in 1885. We are the peak body for CFA Volunteers and operate in the spirit of mutual respect and goodwill to work in harmony and consultation together with CFA and the State of Victoria to resolve any differences of opinion which may arise.

Whilst independent of the CFA, VFBV works closely with CFA and other key stakeholders to engage volunteers and develop policy and organisational arrangements that encourage, maintain and strengthen the capacity of volunteers to provide CFA services to the community. 

VFBV also represents Coast Guard brigades in Victoria and has close working relationships with other emergency service volunteer associations across Victoria and Australia.

VFBV and volunteer fire brigade associations in all states of Australia work together on issues of common interest and/or national relevance through the Council of Australian Volunteer Fire Associations (CAVFA).

VFBV is an organisation made up of the CFA volunteers it represents.

Through a state-wide network of District Councils and elected volunteer representatives, VFBV maintains direct links with grass roots volunteers over their issues, needs and concerns.