Trent Dempster
Hi Trent. Thanks for taking the time to chat with us. When did you come to Castlemaine? Were you born here?
No I was originally born and raised in Geelong. My family later moved to Welshmans Reef. I live in Castlemaine now.
Most people locally would know you as a volunteer at Castlemaine CFA, but I understand you also work for the CFA?
Yes I have been a volunteer with the CFA for about six and a half years. When I moved to Castlemaine a number of my housemates were volunteers with the brigade and they encouraged me to get involved. I am currently 1st Lieutenant of the local brigade. I have also volunteered with the CFA’s Oscar 1 – Mine Rescue group for about five years, and I work for CFA. I am based at the CFA Kangaroo Flat and I work on tower and communications maintenance.
How long have you worked with the CFA?
About three and a half years now. I started out as a mechanic and two months ago I moved into my new role as a Tower Overseer.
So you’re a qualified mechanic?
Yes I originally trained as a mechanic and then I decided to broaden my horizons and take my skills across into the CFA. There are loads of opportunities within the organisation.
You must have undertaken a lot of training with your CFA and volunteer roles?
Yes I have really enjoyed a broad range of training over the years. As a member of the Oscar One – Mine Rescue team we are on standby to provide support to Central Deborah Gold Mine and back-up to onsite Response Teams at the local mines. We have also assisted with the rescue of a number of dogs from mineshafts dotted across the region. The most recent was at Tarnagulla where we rescued two dogs.
Wow incredible. Your work must have taken you far and wide?
Yes I travelled to New South Wales a few years back to assist with the bushfire effort there and work on broken down trucks. There was a lot of broken down trucks!
I am sure they appreciated the support!
Yes its a real team effort attending an incident like that. The whole community lends a hand from CFA to Red Cross. It’s great to be able to help people during their darkest hour.
You must have attended some challenging incidents as a volunteer and CFA member?
Yes from house and grassfires to road accidents. The great thing about volunteering with the CFA is that our members are welcome to fill whatever roles they feel comfortable in. Some prefer to just do communications. Some of our more senior members are starting to step back but they still turn out and helps us with the clean up and pack up. There is a lot of encouragement and support. Some members are happy to turn out to grassfires in the summer, but they may not be comfortable turning out to a house fire or accident and that’s totally okay. You don’t have to attend every incident, every time there is flexibility and a place for everyone. Volunteers are most welcome at the CFA and are needed right across the community after covid.
Is there anything that people may not realise about you Trent?
Not really. Outside of work and volunteering I enjoy camping and four wheel driving. I am also trying to get back into mountain bike riding but I am pretty busy these days!
What’s your favourite musical genre or artist?
I enjoy all sorts of music. I don’t like listening to the radio as it always drops out in the truck depending where you are. I am always changing up the CDs as if your travelling long distances and have to listen to them over and over it gets monotonous!
OK. Three dream dinner guests?
I am not really into dinner parties. I just enjoying having a few mates around for a barbecue.
Any philosophies by which you like to lead life?
Treat others the way you want to be treated and don’t ask someone to do something you wouldn’t.
Do you have any pet peeves?
Not really. I try not to let things get to me.
What do you enjoy most about the place you call home?
The rural lifestyle. You don’t have to travel or commute to enjoy the bush, its right here on our doorstep. It’s definitely an upside compared to living in the city.
