By KATH GANNAWAY
IN A year that celebrates 100 years of fire-fighting service to the community, Warburton Fire Brigade is looking forward to sharing two special events with the local community in May and June.
A unique art exhibition, and a community open day and lantern parade will add to earlier celebrations that included the 100-years photographic exhibition and the Centenary Dinner.
When Dame Nellie Melba opened the first Warburton Fire Station in February, 1915, it was a momentous event for the town.
The threads that linked Melba’s home ‘Coombe’ in Coldstream and the Warburton community all those years ago continue with HelmART, an exhibition of fire-fighting equipment transformed into works of art by local artists.
HelmART will run from 22 May to 2 June at the new Coombe – The Melba Estate, culminating in an auction on Tuesday, 2 June.
Estate manager, Daniel Johnson, said in addition to the original Melba connection, her grand-daughter, the late Pamela Lady Vestey, was an ardent supporter of the CFA.
“She was very appreciative of the work they do, not just here at Coldstream, but throughout the region,” he said.
“So, it makes sense to do everything we can to utilise this property to recognise and assist the wonderful job the volunteers do.”
Healesville artist, Pamela Gordon, is one of more than 20 artists who have put their own interpretation on items including helmets, fire hoses and extinguishers.
She said she had spent many happy days painting on the Yarra River at Warburton, so it was a natural choice for her helmet.
“It is also thanks to the fire brigades who were out there on Black Saturday that we will have our house, so it’s to show support and appreciation,” she said.
One hundred per cent of funds raised at the auction will go to the brigade.
The auction is for registered guests only. To register for the opportunity to secure a unique artwork, phone Leila Smith on 0417 345 552 or email Leila@leilasmith.com.au.
