As a child Rob was burnt. As an adult, he’s fighting fire with fire
Rob Armstrong, a volunteer firefighter since childhood, is leading protests against a Victorian government levy increase that could raise costs for farmers by up to 189%. His activism stems from surviving a 1969 bushfire as a child, an experience that instilled deep respect for volunteer firefighters. Despite his dedication to firefighting, Armstrong finds the financial burden on farmers unjust, especially given their role in fire response.
- ▪Rob Armstrong survived a deadly 1969 bushfire as a four-year-old, suffering severe burns while fleeing with his siblings and neighbor Dorothy Tucker.
- ▪Volunteer firefighters rescued Armstrong and his family by spotting them on a road amid thick smoke, an event that inspired his 40-year firefighting career.
- ▪The Victorian government's Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund replaced the fire services levy, leading to potential increases of up to 189% for some farmers.
- ▪Armstrong opposes the levy increase, calling it 'gut-wrenching,' particularly because farmers are often first responders during fires.
- ▪Despite initial fears, volunteer firefighter numbers in Victoria have grown even after the levy changes were announced.
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'Accidental leader' of CFA levy protest Rob Armstrong reveals scars left by childhood bushfire traumaBy Leisa Scott, Ben Cheshire and Alex MillenAustralian StoryTopic:BushfiresSun 17 May 2026 at 5:15amSun 17 May 2026 at 5:15amSun 17 May 2026 at 5:15amLoading...abc.net.au/news/-accidental-leader-of-cfa-levy-protest-rob-armstrong/106630850Link copiedShareShare articleThey huddled together under a woollen blanket on a country road, four children and a stalwart woman, desperately willing the raging bushfire to pass over them.Moments earlier, they'd fled from the farmhouse in an FJ Holden ute as the fire swept across the property, setting the trees lining the driveway alight and sending flames leaping into the blackened sky.Neighbour Dorothy Tucker was moving the children to safety … then the…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).