Paul Munro - Goldfields

Paul Munro was born in the heart of the Goldfields in Kalgoorlie and grew up in Coolgardie.

The journey with the Volunteer Fire & Rescue Service (VFRS) began when Paul was a baby! At the time, his father, Shane Munro, was the Captain of Coolgardie VFRS. Paul and his brother came to see the station as a home away from home, and the members of the brigade as family.

When Paul was 10 years old, it is no surprise that he joined Coolgardie VFRS’s Junior Firefighter Competition “running” team. Paul found that participating in the competitions gave him a good insight into the skills required to be a volunteer firefighter. “Most of all, I enjoy the mateship and competing alongside my friends,” says Paul.

Becoming an active firefighter was a natural transition at the age of 16 years. Paul stepped up to take on additional duties at the station and held the roles of Apparatus Officer and Lieutenant. When Paul was 18 years old, he became dual registered and joined Kalgoorlie VFRS.

In 2015, and at the age of 21 years, Paul was elected Captain of Coolgardie VFRS - taking over from his very proud father after 25 years at the helm. He held this role for one year before deciding to relocate to Australia’s largest Outback city to be closer to work and his other commitments.

Now only volunteering for Kalgoorlie VFRS, he enjoyed assisting and mentoring new recruits. For what was supposed to be a short stint, Paul stepped into the Lieutenant role in 2020, then became Captain in 2021, the position he still holds.

Once again taking over from his father Shane, Paul joined the VFRS Association in 2022 to represent the Goldfields Zone. “I would like to make a difference and do more for my volunteer colleagues,” says Paul.

Paul has been with St John Ambulance since 2012. He is a registered paramedic and has filled the roles as an emergency medical technician, volunteer development officer and first aid trainer.

Currently Paul’s paid work is in the mining industry in the role of paramedic emergency services officer.

“VFRS is like one big family and I am excited to be part of it,” says Paul. He has a passion for training volunteers and holds several Training Resource Kits.

Still having a passion for the firefighter competitions, you will always find Paul on the track as a Starter or Track Master the Junior and Senior annual State Firefighter Championships.

The VFRS Association is not sure how Paul manages to successfully wear such a variety of hats. In addition to working full time and volunteering, Paul is also a marriage celebrant.