It's a place where people meet new friends, socialise and talk about the musing of their lives. The tea is poured hot, children are welcome and there is always something to talk about. 

Helen Hickson, whose husband Jim is the captain, said the brigade was a "place for people to gather". 

"It's a really small rural brigade, really built around the community," she said 

"I think it plays an important part in rural communities - to have that place that you can have an attachment to and engagement with your community. 

"When we moved (to Woodvale) the (brigade) is where we came to meet people.

"We got to find out who everyone was and where everyone was from. So that sense of neighbourhood spirit, looking out for each other. So if there is a fire at someone's house you know whose going to be there."

Mrs Hickson said people who joined the fire brigade tended to stay for a long length of time.

"We have members who have been here for 60 years. They join as juniors and stay on," she said.  

"That's because it's about the people. We might have a meeting that's brief but then the real fun part, the real reason everyone comes is afterwards.

"We might have a cup of tea, have a cake or biscuit and just have that conversation.

"It's that place that you can catch up with each other each month."

Australians across the country will recognise National Red Balloon Day on Saturday.  

The initiative aims to recognise the efforts of firefighters, both career and volunteer, and to say thanks. 

The day was started by Bendigo woman Jody Hardiman and three other volunteers last year. 

Volunteer firefighter Jesse Dickason, who works as a disability carer, said he doesn't do it for the recognition, instead it's his "duty to the community". 

"It's not really my passion, it's my duty to the community to help them out," he said. 

Mr Dickason, who has been part of the brigade for three years, said he was part of a strike team that went to the Wyperfeld National Park to assist with several blazes last year. 

During times of danger, Mr Dickason said he thinks only of the safety of his colleagues. 

"We work as a team, we look after each other's backs," he said. 

Another volunteer Jo Taylor has two young sons - the future of the brigade, she says. 

Ms Taylor has been a firefighter for about eight years. She started at Woodvale before moving to Marong and then back to Woodvale. She said she loves it. 

"It's fun. It's a good team, good comradeship. It's a bit of family out here," she said. 

"It's good to be in amongst people who look out for each other. It's fun. I have fun, a good time."

Ms Taylor said there was no pub at Woodvale, or a footy club and the brigade formed 

"It's one of the only places people can go and meet with other people. It's the only spot you can go and meet with other people in your community," she said.

"Especially when you are younger. We used to have a junior crew. Out here in Woodvale there was no other spot for them to go. It's pretty important having a CFA."

Student paramedic Jodie Hamley likes the idea of red balloon day. 

Ms Hamley has been a firie since she was 13 and a junior. Her dad was a firefighter at Raywood. 

"Every time I would hear him leave, I would look out my window and see him go off with the flashing lights and it was awesome," she said. 

"I like it, it's great to get out and meet new people and the thrill of it's great too."