A Q&A with CFA captain Ben Cash

Ben Cash is the captain at Chirnside Park CFA. Picture: ROB CAREW. 263878_10

1. What is something people don’t know about you?

Before joining CFA, I was fortunate enough to be a volunteer firefighter at a Canadian ski resort. The experience and training I received learning to fight fires in snow and extreme temperatures was helpful when I joined Mt Hotham – Dinner Plain CFA.

2. Why and when did you join the Chirnside Park CFA?

I joined Chirnside Park CFA as a founding member in July 2015 when Chirnside Park Fire Brigade was established as its own stand-alone station servicing the Chirnside Park community.

3. What do you enjoy most about your role and being a part of the CFA?

CFA has a great sense of camaraderie, not just within the Chirnside Park station, but across the state with our fellow volunteers. CFA offers a genuine network and sense of community.

4. What have been some of your most memorable moments with the CFA? Why?

One of the more memorable moments was the 2019/20 fires. Having the opportunity to assist NSW RFS up in Kempsey before returning to Victoria and assisting in the fires in the North East of the state, it’s a humbling reminder of the Australian spirit and the ability for communities from all walks of life to come together and help each other out.

5. What do you love most about the Yarra Ranges?

The Yarra Ranges has it all, from beautiful forests and Australian bush, wineries and a close connection to the city. We really have the perfect balance of everything.

6. What event, past, present, or future, would you like to witness?

I’m looking forward to watching the station extension unfold. As the Chirnside Park community continues to grow, so do the needs of the brigade. Over the next 12 months, we hope to see building commence and welcome the Chirnside Park community to see the new extension once its complete.

7. Which four guests, dead or alive, would you invite to a dinner party?

I think an interesting mix of guests would include Steve Carell, Winston Churchill, Wil Anderson and Angela Merkel.

8. Who do you admire the most?

I admire the front-line workers who have been working tirelessly through the Covid pandemic. The strain and health implications both physically and mentally they have gone through and continue to go through is remarkable.

9. What are some of your hobbies?

During the winter, I love nothing more than heading to ski resorts, otherwise I’m constantly looking for the next opportunity to travel.

10. What is your favourite book and/or film?

Highly recommend From Snow to Ash by Anthony Sharwood.