Mandurang inventor Mike Taylor has hatched a plan to get businesses and the community to sponsor and thank a CFA volunteer by buying them a Fair Air Mask that he says is superior to the present respiratory protection issued.

Clearly, there are economic incentives for Mr Taylor in getting his plan up, but that’s his reward for designing something of value.

Bendigo company Keech Castings jumped straight on board and purchased 30 Fair Air Masks for the Strathfieldsaye brigade members.

But alas bureaucracy has raised its ugly head and yesterday’s scheduled handover of the masks was cancelled amid CFA warnings it could not allow brigades to use uncertified equipment.

Such a move could have given Shadow Minister for Police and Emergency Services Jacinta Allan a free shot but she declined to take the opportunity and that’s a welcome move given the “he said, she said” road politics is rolling along at the moment.

Instead,  Ms Allan spoke of doing what she could to cut through the bureaucracy and support this local invention.

Let’s hope she has some success in convincing the CFA this is a winner.

Mr Taylor’s plan is a fantastic opportunity for the CFA to get people supporting and thanking the volunteers who serve their communities.

It’s a way of purchasing equipment CSIRO testing proves is world class by harnessing community spirit.

And you need look no further than the lady who called the Bendigo Advertiser this week saying she could only afford one mask but would like to help a CFA volunteer as proof of what people think of this concept?