Celebrating young members and their pathways

CFA recognises and celebrates the energy, creativity and leadership that young people bring to brigades and proudly helps reward their contributions through the La Trobe University partnership.

With more than 1830 junior members and over 6000 young adults within CFA, the La Trobe University Aspire Early Offer Program stems as a fitting offering for their work in the community, and a promising opportunity to help broaden their education and skillset further.

For successful applications, an early conditional offer for most undergraduate courses at La Trobe University is included, alongside an Aspire ATAR, study support and indigenous student support.

Across August ahead of Youth Fest 2026, CFA Volunteer Program Youth Coordinator Alex Reid and Brigade Administrative Support Officer Bobbie Barrett attended La Trobe University’s Open Days to promote the partnership that helps empower our young people and showcases how more can get involved in CFA.

“The program is a valuable opportunity for our young members, and if they go on to be accepted and gain an early conditional offer, they are automatically considered for an Aspire scholarship worth up to $5000 per year, and an additional $1500 for student exchange opportunities,” Alex said.

“We had some really positive days with plenty of engagement, and it is an excellent platform to promote CFA volunteering, connect with prospective volunteers and continue building relationships with key education and community partners to help enhance our youth offerings,” Bobbie said.

Research Fire Brigade member Jade Sternberg joined Alex at the Bendigo Open Day to promote the program and speak on the benefits she gained from it during her year 12 studies.

“I went down the pathway of Aspire because my school careers teacher encouraged us to go down any pathway we physically could - as it was better to have options,” Jade said.

“The application process was really simple, and I just had to input my volunteering hours and contributions to the community. I then got an email a few months later with a successful early entry.

“I would absolutely recommend for members to apply, as it helped me get into what I’m doing now and it really helped alleviate stress and decision making for me before my final exams.”

Jade has already accumulated a depth of experience with CFA, having attended Cadet Camp both as a Cadet and a Leader, while also becoming an operational firefighter with experience on strike teams.

“She’s also the Junior Coordinator for her brigade, accompanying them to the State Championships. Earlier this year Jade was also selected to attend a women’s challenge camp,” Alex said.

CFA Deputy Chief Officer North West Region Trevor Weston said this Youth Fest, not only are we celebrating the achievements of our young people, but we also remain dedicated to evolving the pathways and programs that are available to them within and beyond CFA.

“Our young members are a vital and valued part of CFA, and their contributions today helps build a strong and sustainable CFA for generations to come,” Trevor said.

“The Aspire program is just one of many opportunities we proudly have that are helping to foster community, participation and enthusiasm within our young people, and it is rewarding to see their growth and hear their perspectives.
“We are excited to see the impact they continue to make within our brigades and the future of firefighting.”

For more information about La Trobe’s Aspire program email CFA’s Pathways team at youthteam@cfa.vic.gov.au