Meet James Mildren, Fourth Lieutenant, Grovedale CFA Brigade
For nearly 15 years, James Mildren has been a steady, committed presence at the Grovedale CFA brigade.
Originally from the Gold Coast in Queensland, James and his partner moved to Wangaratta then Grovedale and for the past 10 years has been in Armstrong Creek.
“I’ve been able to see the area grow and develop into what it’s become.”
The decision to relocate was driven by his partner’s family who all live in and around the area.
Motivation to join the CFA came from wanting to know and help the community.
“I’ve always done community-based organisations my whole life,” said James.
Firefighting also runs in his family – his father and uncle both served as career firefighters in Queensland.
Grovedale CFA, located just south of Geelong, is one of the busier urban brigades in the region.
“We respond to about 450 incidents a year,” said James.
“That keeps us extremely busy.”
The brigade’s members have been deployed across Victoria and interstate, including during the catastrophic 2019–2020 bushfire season.
“I was deployed to the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, we’re always ready to go where we’re needed.”
One recent incident was phoned in as a shed fire in Torquay.
“Once we got there, it was noticeable that it was an industry building—a warehouse—on fire with significant, significant fire,” James recalled.
Clad in full breathing apparatus and protective gear, James and another Grovedale firefighter entered the burning structure to suppress the flames from within.
“It was one of the least visibilities I’ve had at a fire for a long time,” he said.
The response included units from Torquay, Connewarre, and Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV).
“We were lucky that we had amazing turnout, amazing crew, it makes our job easier when we look around and we know we’re all highly trained.”
He also remembered the smell.
“It takes a few showers to get it off,” he said.
“You don’t think about it at the time—you’re just doing your job, helping the community, protecting life and property.”
Beyond firefighting, James brings his expertise to the public sector, working in a training role for a government department. His skill in education also informs his work at the brigade, where continuous training is a priority.
Grovedale CFA is also a specialist brigade in gas flaring incidents.
“If there’s ever incidents involving gas bottles, we get called to that,” said James.
“We set up a giant burner and burn off the gas to render the area safe.”
The Grovedale brigade has 75 members, including around 50 operational firefighters, equipped for both urban and bushfire scenarios.
For anyone who’d like to join the CFA, he recommends going through the official website, but visitors are always welcome.
“If you ever see someone at the station and they’re not running to get on a truck, come in and say hi,” he says.
The Grovedale CFA, along with 15 other local organisations, were successful grant recipients in the 2024 Ashbury Community Fund.
In 2025, applications for the Ashbury Community Fund will be open from 1 August 2025.
Find the Grovedale CFA on Facebook.
CFA Brigades near Armstrong Creek
- Grovedale – 38 Reserve Rd, Grovedale
- Connewarre – 15 Randles Rd, Connewarre
- Freshwater Creek – 445 Dickins Road, Freshwater Creek