Upper Yarra
3 Tuesday, 20 January, 2015
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7
Mail Covering the Upper Yarra Region of the Yarra Ranges Shire
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A Mail Newspaper Group publication
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Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808 Centenary exhibition and events organiser Leila Smith talked with members of the brigade’s successful competition team of the late '50s to mid-'60s, Don Carey, Brian Clinch and Barry Marshall. 133160 Pictures: ROB CAREW
Centur y of support WARBURTON Fire Brigade launched its centenary celebrations on Thursday, 15 January, with the opening of an historical exhibition, and a birthday cake. Former Deputy Chief of the CFA, David Jordan, who had Warburton in his region during his CFA career, spoke of the legacy of the brigade from its beginnings in 1915, to the current era, and into the future. “It has been said that the long road to success is always under construction,” he said. Posing the question ‘Is that quotation applicable to Warburton Fire Brigade?’ he also proffered the answer with an emphatic “Yes”. The Celebrating Community Firefighting Volunteers Exhibition at the Warburton Arts Centre is the first of a number of events throughout 2015 aimed at honouring members and families involved with the brigade, including the former East Warburton brigade. Mr Jordan focused his comments on
the past history of the brigade which he said was a rich one. Coming out of the gold rush into the timber milling era, the extension of the railway and the construction of the Upper Yarra Dam and tourism, Mr Jordan said the specific reason for the formation of the brigade was no longer as important. The brigade was registered from 1 January, 1915. “Captain Larson, together with 13 officers and fire-fighters of Brigade 131, were registered,” he said. The fire hose reel, hose and accessories arrived two weeks later and with the band rotunda completed, the equipment was housed in the lower level. The official opening took place weeks later. Mr Jordan tracked the history of the brigade touching on the stations that have been home, the major fires including 1926, 1932, Black Friday in 1939, 1962, 1983 and 1991.
“There are other significant fire histories,” he said involving guest houses, sawmills and the state school, in 1959. “The needs have never changed; the public expected safety from fire and the fire brigade provided it,” he said expanding on the huge changes from 1915 to the present day with a modern station, training facilities, vehicles, protective clothing, advanced communication and the CFA network. He said in the unique environment that Warburton operates in, major fires would still occur. Notwithstanding modern technology, he said it was people and the volunteer ethos and commitment of 1915 that continued today that would be needed still. Captain Hazel Clothier said she was proud to be leading the brigade in its centenary year and paid tribute to the current members. “As captain for just six months, I can say it is incredibly humbling to be here and part of the 100 year celebra-
The competition team in action, back row, from left, Brian Clinch, Ray Dafter, Mac Sparke, Barry Marshall and Graeme Sparke. Front row, Laurie Hort, Don Carey and Col Davis. 133160
tions when I’m only one tiny little blip (in that history). “It’s an honour and a privilege to be working alongside such a wonderful team of men and women from Warburton community and I promise we will do our best to carry the tradition forward into the future,” she said. Ms Clothier said there were a number of events scheduled throughout the year including a torchlight parade on 30 May, the Centenary Art Project with
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local artists and community members creating art work from 40 decommissioned helmets and the exhibition which runs through to 10 February. Ms Clothier invited the Warburton community to visit the exhibition to help celebrate the volunteers who have protected the local community for 100 years. See more information on the exhibition on page 8, and on the Warburton CFA Facebook page.
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