Volunteer firefighters a priceless national asset

Australia’s unpaid firefighters hold a significant place not just in the nation’s heart, but its economy, explains Michelle Cull.

CFS volunteer inquiries up after years of decline

South Australia’s Country Fire Service volunteer numbers have slowly declined every year since 2015 – but the CFS says the worrying trend has had no impact on firefighting capabilities and the nation’s bushfire crisis has prompted many new inquiries about joining up this season.

LifeLine volunteer Angela Henwood with a portrait of her son, Jonathan, who died in 2008. Photo: Tony Lewis

The LifeLine volunteers who “take the pain”

Eleven years ago, Angela Henwood’s son took his own life. She now helps others in their darkest moments.