In a life threatening emergency dial Triple Zero (000)
Storm and Flood Assistance
In peaceful, bushland suburbs all around Canberra, there are many volunteers who are quietly working to keep their communities safe.
This includes Anthony Ashton, a Team Leader in Wybalena Grove’s Community Fire Units (CFUs), who, along with his fellow volunteers, plays a vital role in preparing for and responding to the threat of bushfires in his neighbourhood.
Anthony first joined his local CFU out of a desire to contribute more directly to the resilience of his community.
With the bushfire risk ever-present in many parts of Australia, he saw the importance of having local volunteers trained and ready to act in times of fire emergency.
“I joined the CFU because I wanted to be part of the solution,” says Anthony.
“Like many residents in Canberra, we live in an area surrounded by bushland, and it makes sense to be prepared, and to help others do the same.”
Bushfire preparation and prevention are two core focuses for CFUs, and they are where Anthony and his fellow volunteers dedicate much of their time.
Whether it’s clearing leaves from gutters, maintaining equipment, or conducting hazard reduction work around Wybalena Grove, every effort is aimed at reducing fuel loads and making the local community less vulnerable.
“Even small actions can make a big difference,” explains Anthony.
“If we remove fuel loads before summer hits, we’re helping to reduce any potential fire intensity around our homes.”
Another core focus of CFUs is training, and volunteers meet regularly to practise using hoses, pumps, and other firefighting equipment, and to go over safety procedures, to ensure they can operate effectively as a team.
“The training is really hands-on,” says Anthony.
“I find it very valuable because it builds confidence - especially in how we use the gear, and how we work together under pressure.”
Beyond firefighting skills, CFUs place a strong emphasis on community outreach, and volunteers like Anthony work hard to educate residents about fire readiness; encouraging them to prepare their homes and stay informed.
“We talk to our neighbours about clearing their gutters, moving wood piles away from houses, and having a bushfire plan,” Anthony says.
“It’s not about scaring people - it’s about helping our community understand what they can do to stay safe.
“Talking to people I don’t know isn’t something that comes naturally to me, but I’ve grown in confidence over time.
“Volunteering with a CFU gives you an excuse to go and talk to all sorts of people, and they listen, because they know what you’re discussing with them is important.”
Anthony also values the sense of teamwork and shared responsibility that comes with being part of a CFU. For him, volunteering is more than just potentially responding to fires; it’s about building community spirit and looking out for one another.
The units operate closely with ACT Fire & Rescue, and while their main focus during an incident is property protection before the arrival of frontline crews, the work they do in crucial early moments can make a significant difference.
“We’re the first line of defence,” says Anthony.
“We’re not replacing full-time firefighters - we’re supporting them, and protecting our own community in the meantime.”
This includes Anthony Ashton, a Team Leader in Wybalena Grove’s Community Fire Units (CFUs), who, along with his fellow volunteers, plays a vital role in preparing for and responding to the threat of bushfires in his neighbourhood.
Anthony first joined his local CFU out of a desire to contribute more directly to the resilience of his community.
With the bushfire risk ever-present in many parts of Australia, he saw the importance of having local volunteers trained and ready to act in times of fire emergency.
“I joined the CFU because I wanted to be part of the solution,” says Anthony.
“Like many residents in Canberra, we live in an area surrounded by bushland, and it makes sense to be prepared, and to help others do the same.”
Bushfire preparation and prevention are two core focuses for CFUs, and they are where Anthony and his fellow volunteers dedicate much of their time.
Whether it’s clearing leaves from gutters, maintaining equipment, or conducting hazard reduction work around Wybalena Grove, every effort is aimed at reducing fuel loads and making the local community less vulnerable.
“Even small actions can make a big difference,” explains Anthony.
“If we remove fuel loads before summer hits, we’re helping to reduce any potential fire intensity around our homes.”
Another core focus of CFUs is training, and volunteers meet regularly to practise using hoses, pumps, and other firefighting equipment, and to go over safety procedures, to ensure they can operate effectively as a team.
“The training is really hands-on,” says Anthony.
“I find it very valuable because it builds confidence - especially in how we use the gear, and how we work together under pressure.”
Beyond firefighting skills, CFUs place a strong emphasis on community outreach, and volunteers like Anthony work hard to educate residents about fire readiness; encouraging them to prepare their homes and stay informed.
“We talk to our neighbours about clearing their gutters, moving wood piles away from houses, and having a bushfire plan,” Anthony says.
“It’s not about scaring people - it’s about helping our community understand what they can do to stay safe.
“Talking to people I don’t know isn’t something that comes naturally to me, but I’ve grown in confidence over time.
“Volunteering with a CFU gives you an excuse to go and talk to all sorts of people, and they listen, because they know what you’re discussing with them is important.”
Anthony also values the sense of teamwork and shared responsibility that comes with being part of a CFU. For him, volunteering is more than just potentially responding to fires; it’s about building community spirit and looking out for one another.
The units operate closely with ACT Fire & Rescue, and while their main focus during an incident is property protection before the arrival of frontline crews, the work they do in crucial early moments can make a significant difference.
“We’re the first line of defence,” says Anthony.
“We’re not replacing full-time firefighters - we’re supporting them, and protecting our own community in the meantime.”
