From his day job in IT to his high-vis gear on the fireground, Karthick Thanigaimani moves between two very different worlds with one common thread—service. Nearly a decade ago, he joined the Country Fire Authority (CFA) not in response to a crisis, but because of what he describes as a “quiet but persistent urge” to contribute to his community. Since then, he’s fought fires, managed emergencies, and supported countless people in quiet, practical ways.
Karthick’s contribution doesn’t stop at the CFA. He volunteers with the State Emergency Services, supports the Mental Health Foundation Australia, serves as a Justice of the Peace, and promotes Indian cultural events across Melbourne’s west. His wife and two sons often join him at community events or cheer him on from the sidelines. That spirit of participation defines his approach.
Whether on the frontlines of a bushfire or helping someone certify a document, Karthick believes in being reliable when it counts. He doesn’t talk up his role or seek praise. He simply answers the call. As he puts it, “Volunteering has become more than just something I do. It’s a part of who I am.”
Excerpts from an interview:
▶ What made you sign up with the Country Fire Authority? Was there a moment or event that pushed you to do it?
I became a volunteer with the Country Fire Authority nearly a decade ago, not because of one dramatic moment, but because of a growing pull in my heart to give back. It was a calling, a quiet but persistent urge to contribute in a meaningful way. Since then, I’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with my team through countless emergencies, from local incidents to the heartbreaking 2019 to 2020 bushfires. Each event tested my limits, taught me something new, and deepened my commitment.
What keeps me going isn’t recognition or reward, it’s the indescribable feeling of purpose that comes from helping others when they need it most. Volunteering has become more than just something I do, it’s a part of who I am.
Over the years, that spirit of service has guided me beyond the CFA. I’ve proudly served with the State Emergency Services and taken on roles in various community organisations, from being a Justice of the Peace and working with the Point Cook Action Group to supporting the Mental Health Foundation Australia and Neighbourhood Watch. My family and I also have the joy of sharing our heritage by promoting Indian music and culture at local events.
In every role, I’ve found purpose, connection, and a deep sense of belonging. Whether it’s protecting lives, preserving traditions, or fostering community spirit, giving back has been the heartbeat of my journey. It’s a privilege I cherish every single day.
▶ Can you walk us through what it’s like when a call comes in? What goes through your head when you’re suiting up?
As volunteers, we’re not stationed at a fire station waiting for the next call, except on some severe catastrophic days. But when that pager goes off, everything else takes a back seat. Whether it’s in the middle of dinner with our families or the quiet hours before dawn, we drop what we’re doing and go. It’s not always convenient, but that’s the nature of the commitment we’ve made.
When the call comes through, your mind clicks into gear. There’s a burst of adrenaline, sure, but also clarity. Suited up and en route, we begin to prepare ourselves mentally on the situation and what is the worst that could happen. What will my crew need from me when we arrive if I am a crew leader?
Every incident is different, and often we don’t have the full picture until we’re on scene. That uncertainty becomes part of the training. We learn to adapt, to think quickly, to support one another no matter what lies ahead. It’s not just about fighting fires, it’s about standing strong in moments of chaos and being a steady hand when others need it most.
▶ Firefighting is physically and mentally demanding. How do you train for the unpredictable?
We engage in a multifaceted physical and regular training every week. Some of these exercises are designed to mimic real-life firefighting tasks, ensuring that we are prepared for the diverse physical demands or scenarios of the job that we may encounter in real life situations.
It’s a continuous journey of preparation, one that keeps us ready not just to act, but to lead, protect, and serve with clarity and courage when it matters most.
▶ What do your family and friends think about your work with the CFA? Is there ever a worry? Pride?
My journey with the CFA wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of my family and friends. Their encouragement is the backbone of everything I do in this role. My wife, Ranjani, and our children, Adarsh and Trinay, have been my constant support. They understand the calling, even when it pulls me away at the most unexpected times or when we have dinner.
There’s a deep sense of pride in our household when it comes to the work I do. Yes, there are moments of worry, especially during high-risk deployments or uncertain times like the COVID pandemic, but that worry is always wrapped in love and understanding. My family knows that while I may be out there on the front lines, I never walk alone. Behind me stands not just my unit or brigade, but a whole family, friends, and community who care.
My kids, in particular, are captivated by the world of firefighting. They light up at the sight of the big red trucks, the uniform, and the idea of helping people in need. It fills me with joy to see them take pride in what I do. They often come along to support events like the Good Friday Appeal and other community fundraisers. And sometimes, when the pager goes off or a siren echoes in the distance, they’ll look at me and say, “Dad, you have to go, it’s an emergency.” In their eyes, I’m not just their dad, I’m someone who stands up for others. And that’s a legacy I’m proud to share with them.
▶ What’s something about firefighting that most people don’t see or understand?
What some people don’t always see is that firefighting is far more than the risks. It’s an act of quiet courage, of putting others before yourself without hesitation. Sometimes when we respond to a call, we step into the unknown, guided not just by training, but by an unwavering sense of duty to help someone in need.
For those with a strong sense of community, firefighting isn’t just a role, it can be a calling. Whether as a career or a volunteer, it offers a rare kind of fulfilment, the knowledge that you’ve made a difference, however small, in someone’s life one way or another.
▶ How does one become a volunteer? Also, any suggestions to our readers on how they can get more involved with CFA or SES?
There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer in Australia. I am also part of other not-for-profit organisations like the ones for donating food for the needy, providing basic skills and education as well.
Becoming a volunteer with the CFA or SES is pretty straightforward, and it’s open to people from all walks of life. You don’t need to have any prior emergency services experience, just a willingness to learn, work as part of a team, commit and serve your community.
The first step is to visit the CFA (cfa.vic.gov.au) or SES (ses.vic.gov.au) website and register your interest. From there, you’ll be contacted by your local unit, who’ll guide you through the process. That usually involves an information session, an interview and basic training. Once you’re in, you’ll be supported every step of the way with training in everything from equipment use to first aid, communications, handling stress and more.
For those looking to get involved but maybe not on the frontlines, there are also non-operational roles in both the CFA and SES. These include logistics, community education, fundraising, and administration, roles that are just as vital during emergencies and recovery efforts.
▶ Being a Justice of the Peace is a different kind of responsibility. What drew you to that?
Becoming a Justice of the Peace felt like a natural extension of my commitment to community service. After years with the different organisations, I saw firsthand how important trust and accessibility are when people are going through difficult or unfamiliar situations. I was drawn to the idea of being someone local people could turn to, not in an emergency, but in quieter, everyday moments when they need support, whether it’s witnessing a statutory declaration or certifying important documents. I liked the idea of being approachable and helpful in a practical, respectful way.
It gives me another way to stay connected with my community and to help in situations that, while maybe less dramatic, are still deeply important to the people involved. Although serving as a Justice of the Peace is a voluntary community role, I approach it with a high level of professionalism. To ensure accessibility and convenience, I’ve created my own website (www.karthickt.com) where individuals can learn about the services I provide, book appointments, and get in touch easily.
▶ How does it feel to be trusted by the community with legal and civic matters?
It is a good feeling to be honest. Whether I’m witnessing a statutory declaration or certifying a document, I know that moment, though it might seem routine to me, can be very important for the person in front of me. They might not know you personally, but they walk in with an expectation that you’ll act with integrity, respect their privacy, and get it right to provide the service they need. Being reliable and approachable matters when people are in need.
▶ Do you ever feel there’s a gap between how migrants are perceived and the kinds of contributions you and others actually make?
I don’t really think there’s a big gap between how migrants are perceived and the contributions we make. From my experience with different community and not-for-profit organisations, I’ve seen many people quietly dedicating themselves to supporting the community in meaningful ways and creating an impact in society.
▶ You’re also involved with the Mental Health Foundation. How did that become part of your journey?
My involvement with the Mental Health Foundation grew naturally from my experiences with the other emergency organisations. Being a first responder is not only physically demanding, but sometimes it takes a real mental toll as well. Over time, I saw how important it is to have support networks in place for the broader community, especially during the difficult COVID times.
I wanted to be part of that support system, helping to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health issues. Joining the Mental Health Foundation felt like a way to contribute by offering help, education, and connection where it’s needed most. This applies to men’s mental health as well.
▶ What’s something you’ve learnt about mental health, especially in migrant communities, that you’d like more people to talk about?
One important insight I’ve gained about mental health is that many individuals may feel hesitant or not yet ready to openly discuss their struggles. This is a sensitive and critical issue. If you are facing challenges or feeling overwhelmed, I encourage you to reach out, whether to a friend, family member, colleague, or someone you trust. Remember, it’s perfectly okay to not be okay, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
▶ What keeps you going? On the hard days, what’s your internal dialogue like?
What keeps me going on the hard days is remembering why I got involved in the first place, the people and the community I’m serving. When things get tough, my internal dialogue is about focusing on the bigger picture, that every effort, no matter how small, contributes to keeping others safe, helping people when in need and ensuring they feel supported.
I’m mindful of not overcommitting and make sure to set clear boundaries. I plan and prioritise based on what’s most important at the time, and I ensure work as well as family comes first. Volunteering is something that brings us together as well. My family often participates in local events or supports from behind the scenes. It’s about balance, communication, and shared purpose.
▶ Do you think volunteering has changed you in ways your IT job never could?
Absolutely. While my IT job challenges me in many technical and professional ways, volunteering in different community roles has impacted me on a deeper, more personal level. It’s taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of teamwork in ways that office work rarely can.
Being a first responder is a truly rewarding experience. There’s a deep sense of purpose in being there for people when they need help the most. For me, it’s always been about giving back to the community in meaningful ways. I have been part of the GoodSam first responder program as well, where I’ve responded to some critical incidents.
Volunteering has enriched me personally and professionally, helped me mingle with a different set of people, shaping how I handle challenges, relate to others, and find purpose beyond the workplace. In addition to this, I feel that I have helped change the lives of some people through mental health support or working for charities, which is truly satisfying.
▶ What are you working on or looking forward to now?
Right now, I’m focused on continuing to serve my community through my roles while maintaining balance with my professional life in IT. It’s always rewarding to stay connected with the community, and I’m always learning, where each experience adds something valuable, both personally and professionally.
▶ Finally, what would you say to someone who’s thinking of giving back but doesn’t know where to start?
I’d say the best place to start is simply by exploring what matters to you. Giving back doesn’t have to mean a big commitment right away. It can start small, whether that’s volunteering a few hours, joining a local group, or even just helping a neighbour. There are so many ways to contribute, and often the hardest part is taking that first step.
Reach out, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to try different things until you find what feels right. The rewards go beyond what you might expect. The connections you make and the difference you see in your community can be truly life-changing. If you need any support or want to know more, please reach out to me and I would be happy to help in the best way I can.
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