Community
10 September, 2025
What’s next for Brodie?
HE’S the Country Fire Authority’s (CFA) youngest First Lieutenant and an inspiration to many – 18-year-old Brodie Hanks from Jancourt CFA is always ready to face a new challenge.
In celebration of Youth Fest, the CFA is honouring its youngest brigade members, and Brodie has been a part of the brigade since he was just 16.
Youth Fest runs through the month of September and honours young Victorians aged 12-25, hosting events and activities aimed at young people across the state.
Brodie said he signed up to the CFA as soon as he could, stating he was drawn to it from a young age.
“I always wanted to join the CFA – I don’t know why,” he said.
“My dad used to do a little bit there and I used to go along when I was younger and it looked cool.
“I thought it should be fun so I did it – I loved it from day one so I kept going and doing more and more and more, as much as I can.
“I really enjoy it. It’s a really good challenge mentally and physically.”
Brodie said the experience he’s gained from being in the CFA is invaluable.
“I’ve gained a lot of knowledge from being a part of the CFA,” he said.
“I’ve done a lot of extra courses – I’ve put my name down for almost every extra course.
“I’ve been lucky enough to get on most of them.
“I’ve gained a lot of leadership skills and I’ve been able to take on some high-end roles.
“I’ve been able to gain communication and community-based skills – a wide range of things, from physical skills to mental skills.”
Brodie’s volunteering with the CFA doesn’t end in Jancourt.
Over the weekend, on September 6, Brodie took part in the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb, raising $650 for charity.
“For the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb, I placed 206th overall with a time of seven minutes and 22 seconds,” he said.
“Overall the total raised was $1,112,519 and I was $650 of those dollars which was good.
“It was really cool – it was my first year doing it because you’ve got to be 18, so I really enjoyed it and I think I’m going to keep going and doing it.
“I was lucky enough to be one of the 343 people out of the thousand to run on behalf of the fallen firefighter from 9/11 in 2001 and that was pretty cool – he was Paul Bryer.
“It was pretty cool to be able to represent myself and my department and brigade and also a complete stranger who is a hero in a lot of people’s eyes.”
Brodie said he always likes to face new challenges, including the Kokoda Track which he recently returned from.
“I love a good challenge – mostly physical challenges,” he said.
“The Kokoda one was because I love my history and I love the outdoors, so I was like ‘why not, it’s a win-win’.
“The physical challenge and the mental challenge of that was very rewarding as well.
“Being able to get through that even after getting injured halfway through – just pushing through and toughening up a bit – was a bit of grit.”
To those interested in learning more about Brodie or the work of Jancourt CFA, the brigade is hosting an upcoming fire season ready day on Sunday, October 5 at the Jancourt CFA station from 11am-1pm.
Join the brigade for their pre-season training and community fire season ready session with a barbecue lunch and firetruck tour for the kids.
Any further questions or inquiries can be directed to Brodie on 0429 644 992.