Edenhope is a beautiful remote town located just 30 kilometres from the South Australian border.
For high school students in this area with an interest in the great outdoors, Forest Fire Management Victoria’s (FFMVic) Edenhope WorkCentre gives the opportunity to work locally while protecting the environment and learn life changing skills. It’s also a great base for those looking for a tree-change for the summer.
Our Edenhope crew recently invited local students for a behind the scenes look at what a summer as a seasonal firefighter could look like for them.
Students got to see the range of vehicles that seasonal firefighters are trained to operate including trucks, dozers, Unimogs and G-Wagens as well as sprayers, tractors and slashers.
Students learned about the planned burning preparation program and got to see what it’s like to be part of a crew undertaking a burn.
Mollie Garton, Forest Fire Operations Officer, who started her career as a seasonal firefighter said: “We wanted to give students a better understanding of who we are and paint a realistic picture of what we do.
“We are hoping that when they see this and meet some of the crew, they will see what a fulfilling summer they might have as seasonal firefighter. We have lots of fun showing them around as well!”
This year students from Edenhope College and Goroke College visited the work centre. Mollie says: “Highlights would be showing the different types of work we do and the scope of pathways that it can create for individuals. It gives us a chance to show those that are into pests and plants that this role has lots to offer them as well!”
“The science side of our work definitely encourages students too and seeing them realise these aspects of our seasonal positions is pretty cool.”
Apply to be a seasonal firefighter this summer
Page last updated: 23/07/25