By KATH GANNAWAY
“IT’S just one of those things you do,” was Barry Booker’s response when asked why he decided to became a volunteer firefighter in 1964.
“You know what it’s like; it’s a community-minded sort of thing,” he said.
That as well as the camaraderie that he has built up over the years with the Yarra Junction Fire Brigade has kept him in yellow overalls for 50 years, first with Woori Yallock brigade, then with Junction.
Barry was one of six Yarra Junction CFA members presented with service awards at the brigade presentation night in December.
His daughter and former brigade member, Naomi Booker, was presented with the National Emergency Medal on the night.
Barry’s official starting date at Woori Yallock, now Hillcrest, was 25 January 1965. He transferred to Yarra Junction on 9 July 1973.
Presenting the award, CFA Board member John Peberdy said Barry had given half a century of service to the CFA holding officer roles within the brigades as well as across the region as Deputy Group Officer, Junior Brigade Leader, and serving on the Municipal Fire Prevention Committee.
He attended many major fires over the years, among them Ash Wednesday in 1983, the North East Fires of 2006 and the Black Saturday Campaign fires in 2009.
“Barry attends most local callouts including both wildfire and structural fires, incidents and motor vehicle accidents in the Yarra Valley catchment,” Mr Peberdy said.
“Whenever there is a job to do in or around the fire station, Barry is always able and willing to attend to it.”
He said he worked tirelessly for many weeks as a member of the local strike team in 2009 to keep his community safe for which he also received the National Emergency Medal on the night.
Barry came to the Yarra Valley as a teenager, joining Woori Yallock brigade at 18 and transferred to Yarra Junction when he got married.
He put in more than 43 years with the PMG/Telecom/Telstra, retiring four years ago, and was involved with the local footy club and school council over the years.
Retirement from work hasn’t meant slowing down at the brigade.
“I’m more available during the day now when there are not so many members around to respond to calls,” Barry said touching on the need for more volunteers.
The brigade is recruiting new members, and if Barry’s experience is anything to go by, being part of the Yarra Junction CFA is a great way to serve the local community, and build valuable friendships.
Anyone wanting to find out more about joining Yarra Junction CFA can contact Steve Harry on 0428 548 042.
10-Year Service Medals
Edward Hill joined in 2002, is 2nd Lieutenant and was part of the local Black Saturday strike teams.
Janaya O’Dempsey joined in 2003, and in addition to fire-fighting duties is a great supporter of the brigade’s fund-raising events.
Justin Hall joined in 2002, and is the brigade’s Communications Officer. He was a Junior Program Leader and VFBV delegate, has attended many local fires and was part of the local Black Saturday strike teams.
5-Year Service Medals
Kate Lamb transferred from Mooroolbark in 2011. She is brigade 1st Lieutenant, a qualified trainer and assessor, Group and VFVB delegate and has served as acting captain. She has fought many local and regional fires.
Jaron Martin served with Mt Hotham-Dinner Plain and Bright brigades before joining Yarra Junction in 2013.
