Quentin shares a graphic and engaging account of his experiences in the 2009 Bushfires in which like many others their home was destroyed, while he was on a fire truck elsewhere. His wife and three female backpackers survived because they followed their plan to the letter.
Immediately after the fires, he was frustrated and angry at hearing the often-repeated questions the fire affected areas. Specifically, “Why weren’t we told?” and “Where was the CFA?” Determined, “That this would never again happen on his watch!”, he took up the volunteer role of Community Safety Coordinator in St Andrews CFA where he was a member for 20 years. He describes this work and shares his thoughts on many topics around the fires and the recovery period.
Biography:
Although no longer a volunteer firefighter, Q continues to work with the CFA on a part time basis, as a Community Liaison Bushfire Engagement Officer. This involves significant engagement with local communities on fire prevention and preparedness. It also involves working with communities during emergencies, such as the 2019/20 Bushfires where he was deployed to Orbost and Malacoota. In 2022, he was deployed to the floods at Lismore, and towns adjacent to the flooded, Campaspe and Murray rivers, including, Rochester, Gunbower, Cohuna and Mildura.
Quentin is currently working with the people of St Andrews, Nillumbik Shire CFA and DELWP to develop local solutions to local problems and protect life and property.
Contact:
qra2335@gmail.com
We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes – Alpine Series.
Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.
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We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!
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The Kintsugi Heroes team
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Kintsugi Heroes is a not-for-profit Australian podcast network sharing real stories of resilience, disability, and transformation.
Named after the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold — the philosophy that what’s been broken can become more beautiful for the mending — every episode honours the cracks, the rebuild, and the human underneath.
📺 Series on this channel:
– Kintsugi Heroes — real stories of resilience | hosted by John Milham
– Animals & Us — the human-animal bond | hosted by Natalie Stockdale
– Grit Diaries: from Grit to Grace — stories of struggle and strength | hosted by Simone Allan & Maryan Bova
– From There to Here — navigating life’s turning points | hosted by Emma Bellamy-Dodd
– Golden Threads — stories of disability & resilience | hosted by Dan Dougherty
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