Upper Yarra
8 Tuesday, 5 May, 2015
Fund-raiser for Kelly’s kids
5
Mail Covering the Upper Yarra Region of the Yarra Ranges Shire
Investigating highway crashes
A Mail News Group publication
25-27
Sports of all sorts
Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808
A firey centur y By KATH GANNAWAY WARBURTON Fire Brigade’s Centenary Dinner on Saturday night was a celebration of 100 years of community service, recognition of past and present members, and inspiration for the future. The dinner, at Oscars on the Yarra, was one of a number of events that will mark the milestone, including the history of the brigade exhibition at the Warburton Art Centre, and HelmART and the Community Open Day and Lantern Parade later this month. The dinner was dedicated to past and present members and, as Captain Hazel Clothier put it ... “their patient families”. There were some milestones and significant contributions recognised, including a Life Membership for member Mike Lazarus, and a gold key to a brigade vehicle named in his honour for former captain and brigade president Barry Marshall. Invited guests included CFA Board Chairman, Claire Higgins, and Chief Officer, Euan Ferguson, along with regional CFA representatives, Yarra Ranges O’Shannassy Ward representative, Cr Jim Child, and captains of neighbouring brigades. Ms Higgins said the dinner was an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifice, bravery and courage that had brought together the Warburton Fire Brigade each and every time over the past 100 years when the community had needed them. “Time and time again our volunteers put their lives on the line showing courage and bravery to keep our community safe,” she said. She also acknowledged the brigade’s active role in the community from bushfire information nights, fund-raising for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, emergency planning groups, the role they played in events such as Anzac Day and events that were part of the 100-
Celebrating 100 years of the Warburton Fire Brigade are, from left, Life Member Michael Lazarus, CFA Chief Officer Euan Ferguson, Captain Hazel Picture: KATH GANNAWAY Clothier and Brigade President, Barry Marshall. 138537 year celebration. Thanking especially Captain Clothier, as one of only 13 captains in the history of the brigade, and President Marshall on 60 years of service, including 22 as captain, she said it was a reflection on great commitment that had produced a brigade built on a culture of teamwork and supporting each other.
Mr Ferguson spoke of the CFA’s increasingly diverse culture, which he said was seen in the fact that one third of the brigade’s members were women - including the captain. He spoke of the huge responsibility that Upper Yarra brigades had in such a high-risk bushfire environment and of the vision of the people who stepped
up to form the brigade 100 years ago and who had served over the decades. He thanked the current members and captain on behalf of the CFA. “The CFA has an important role and we rely on you,” he said. “It is incredibly important work, and it is appreciated.”
He said the community also has great respect for its CFA volunteers. “The community looks up to you with tremendous respect because they look to you as leaders in the community,” he said. See page 20 for more photos and details of awards presented on the night.
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