Community
6 June, 2025
Missing uniforms anger communities
COUNTRY Fire Authority (CFA) volunteers and community members supporting their protest against the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund levy (ESVF) have been left infuriated after uniforms hanging on fences in a silent protest have vanished.
Across the district, CFA uniforms have been hung over fences and chained to signs in protest of the ESVF alongside roadside signage – some of which included protective gear worn by volunteers when on firegrounds.
Chocolyn CFA brigade secretary Leigh Harry said he noticed the uniforms on the fence near the Chocolyn CFA shed were missing last Saturday.
“I thought one of our members had packed them up – we were offline and went back online last week,” he said.
“I thought someone had put them away, but they weren’t there, and no-one knew anything about it.
“It’s apparent someone’s decided they needed them more than us, and they pinched our protective clothing.
“Considering the feelings out here now, not only with the CFA but with the local farmers and the community, it’s really quite unbelievable there would be anyone who would stoop that low and feel like they have to steal those uniforms.”
Mr Harry said the brigade would now be forced to purchase new protective clothing following the theft.
“Who would be against what we’re trying to do – even Labor voters would defend what we’re doing,” he said.
“It’s a subtle protest – it’s not hurting anyone.
“It’s a shame, and apparently a number of other silent protests have been affected.
“We hope Victoria Police catch up with this person before we do.
“We know we’ve got the support of the Chocolyn community and the broader community, so we’ll keep doing what we can to demonstrate against the tax and we’ll continue to protect our community as we always have.”
An out-of-regulation uniform, which was chained to the town name sign on the western side of Darlington, is also missing.
Resident Trish Wynd, who supports the CFA campaign, said she was concerned the stolen uniform might be used to enter firegrounds during incidents.
“I’m hoping they don’t think they can get onto firegrounds with these old outdated uniforms – they’re not regulation anymore,” she said.
“We’re not the only ones – everybody has had something happen in all the small towns.
“We’re holding the fight to axe the tax – I think the message is getting out there.
“If people aren’t interested in the hard work of the volunteers in the community, why can’t they just butt out and not be part of it? Leave us alone and let us get on with our job.
“If we all hold together for the duration, hopefully the message will get through to the government.”
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