Cold night, warm hearts

By Mara Pattison-Sowden
THE rain didn’t deter the locals from Gruyere and surrounds from attending the CFA’s annual fundraiser.
Gruyere Fire Brigade has held the Beef-on-Spit at Gruyere Hall for 31 years, but captain Matt Sartori told guests this was the first year “it’s really poured down”.
The fundraiser was held on Saturday 9 April, and while the rain came down, the groups enjoyed dinner in the hall and under the cricket pavilion, while a few men braved the damp to keep warm by the outside fires.
Mr Sartori told the guests he promised them a new truck at last year’s event, and this year they were able to show off the new truck.
It should be running soon after more than 230 people braved the cold night to help raise enough money for the brigade to fit out the new salvage truck with gear including a high volume water pump.
Mr Sartori said it was the second truck the brigade had bought in 10 years with the help of the community.
“If it wasn’t for the community we wouldn’t be able to do what we do, and if it wasn’t for the volunteers the community wouldn’t be supported as it is,” he said.
He said it was the community’s backing that enabled the purchase of the trucks and the fit out, and “we want it at 110 per cent for the community”.
The night wasn’t without excitement.
The brigade was called out later that night to fix powerlines that had come down.
Community members didn’t bat an eyelash at the wailing siren, but the fire brigade volunteers crept out with purpose, and the auction was held off until they returned.