By JESSE GRAHAM
DECADES of community service were celebrated at a special event recently, as the Yarra Glen CFA marked its 75th birthday.
On Saturday 26 July, the fire brigade held a 75th birthday celebration and awards night at Yarra Valley Racing Centre in Yarra Glen.
Captain Bill Boyd said the evening was a time for the members to come together and look at how far things had come since 1939.
Some things, however, have stayed the same.
“One thing I spoke about on the night was that the level of commitment and passion displayed by members today is pretty much the same as in 1939 – it’s a group of individuals who come together to serve the community and try to make the place a better place,” Capt Boyd said.
“We’ve made huge leaps forward in technology as far as trucks and protective plating, but, at the end of the day, the heart and soul of the CFA is its volunteers – the passion displayed today confirms that,” he said.
A number of awards were handed out on the evening to members serving the brigade over the years – from five years all the way up to 55.
Ashleigh Boyd, Keven Gropper and Maggie Lloyd Smith received five-year service medals, while Roger Purser, Neil Page and Diane Roberts received medals for 10 years of service.
Steven Teear received an award for serving 35 years with the brigade, and John Sutton was honoured for 55 years with the brigade – both members received life memberships.
Capt Boyd and Dean Putting both received life memberships on the night, and Seymour MP Cindy McLeish presented the brigade with a plaque from the premier in recognition of their service.
