New recruits excited to help

Natalie Stevens and Garry Thompson are the two latest recruits to join the volunteer team at Phillip Island Fire Brigade.

The pair finished their training less than a fortnight ago, and last week both attended their first call-out.

For Natalie, the 2am call to attend a gas leak left her wide awake and unable to sleep – "the adrenaline was really racing", while Garry said it was great to put the skills he'd learned to work helping put out a grass fire.

Both were driven to volunteer through a strong commitment to community.

"It's exciting and daunting, but I wanted to give back to the community, learn new things and have a bit of adventure," said Natalie of her decision to apply.

After retiring and moving to Phillip Island last year, Garry wanted to do something a bit more physical and learn something new.

"It's 50 per cent physical and 50 per cent mental, and the training was much more complex than I thought," Garry said.

"But this is a fantastic team and a very professional outfit."

Natalie also praised the skill and dedication of her new teammates.

"Everyone was so welcoming and so supportive. It is really impressive how much people do and it's an honour to be a part of it."