Badger Creek CFA captain Nic Rodway (right) with the commemorative opening plaque. Looking on (from left) Ray Frogley, Lyn Kennedy (nee By Kath Gannaway
THE OFFICIAL opening of the new Badger Creek CFA station on 14 September recognised the past and paved the way for the future.
Describing the station as a modern station for a modern fire service brigade captain Nic Rodway said it was built on strong foundations.
“This current station’s foundations were laid early this year,” he said. “But the foundations of the brigade were laid back in 1939 and those foundations are still strong today thanks to the leadership of past captains.
Brigade members were joined by CFA and other emergency service representatives, members of the Badger Creek Progress Association, Healesville Lions Club, Badger Creek Primary School and Healesville Sanctuary, McEwen MP Fran Bailey, Seymour MP Ben Hardman, Shire of Yarra Ranges Ryrie Ward councillor Jeanette McRae and local community members for the official opening by Police and Emergency Services Minister Bob Cameron.
Mr Cameron spoke of the vital role played by smaller brigades such as Badger Creek.
“The fact that there are so many people here today for this occasion signifies the important place the brigade has in the community and how proud you all are of what has been accomplished here,” he said.
The outstanding contribution of two of the brigade’s long-standing captains, Vern Mullett and Ray Frogley was recognised with the naming of the two turn-out rooms in their honour.
Vern Mullett, the brigade’s founding captain served for 24 years and Ray Frogley led the brigade for 30 years from 1971 to 2003.
Service medals were also presented to eight brigade members who between them have 194 years to the Badger Creek brigade.
Nic Rodway, Roger Allison, Peter Broman, Mike Thomas and Meg Harford have each served 20 years, Arthur Harford, 25, Jan Frogley 35 and Ray Frogley 45.
In addition to the dedicated turnout rooms, the new station has a two-bay truck area, communications room, kitchen and toilet facilities and a meeting room which, while it struggled to accommodate the huge crowd at the official opening, will meet the brigade’s day-to-day needs beautifully.
Mr Rodway thanked Mr Hardman, who he said had championed the cause on behalf of the brigade and the community, and the State Government who had seen good their election promise to fund the project.
He also acknowledged the role of brigade secretary Peter Broman and Mr Frogley, who he said had persevered with their campaign to get the fire station the members and local community deserved.
“This station will enable us to continue to proudly serve our community,” he said.
