CFA volunteers of the Woori Yallock and Launching Place brigades were on a steep learning curve when they decided in 2007 to amalgamate and become Hillcrest Fire Brigade.
At the official opening of the $1.56 million Hillcrest Fire Station and Yarra Valley Group Headquarters at Woori Yallock on Sunday 25 May, the large crowd heard there was no manual for amalgamation and with three communities involved, including Don Valley, it was an ambitious project.
The new station was the culmination of more than six years of planning, hard work and fund-raising to get a facility that best served the three communities and provided a central group headquarters.
The building commenced in 2013 and the brigade moved into the new station in December. The official opening by Police and Emergency Services Minister Kim Wells and a community open day the next weekend, provided an opportunity for the local community to have a look over the new building.
Mr Wells was joined by Seymour MP Cindy McLeish and Gembrook MP Brad Battin, along with CFA chief officer Euan Ferguson, CFA deputy chair John Peberdy, Yarra Ranges council mayor Fiona McAllister, numerous community group representatives and past and present brigade members.
The volunteer service of Hillcrest brigade members was also recognised on the day with the presentation of CFA Life Membership to Kenneth Burrows who has been a CFA volunteer for 30 years.
Originally a Woori Yallock member, Ken is a qualified wildfire and low-structure firefighter who served as 2nd and 4th Lieutenant and was recognised as a mentor to new brigade members. He was also presented with the National Medal.
Colin Warne, Tim Reid, and Rick Shaw also received the National Medal.
Long Service Awards were presented to Mr Warne (25 years), Frederick De Boer (20 years) Alan Cousins (15 Years), Andrew Smith (20 years), Brendan Tierney (15 years), Paul Livesay, Susan Jack, Peter Jenkin and Beverley Croke (five years).
– KATH GANNAWAY
