By KATH GANNAWAY
FORMER captain of the Hoddles Creek Fire Brigade, Ted Gramlich, was recognised for 45 years of service as a CFA volunteer at the brigade awards in November.
In a round-about way, he is also responsible for another award given on the day, a 30-year service award to brigade secretary, Phil Coulson.
“Ted asked me,” was Mr Coulson’s response when asked what had prompted him to join the brigade.
The men were on the Hoddles Creek Draught Horse Festival committee back in 1985 when Ted issued the invitation – “Why don’t you come along and join the brigade”.
It’s an invitation that has stood the test of time and been of great benefit to the small rural brigade.
Mr Gramlich started his brigade involvement with The Basin Fire Brigade and moved to Hoddles Creek in the early ’70s when he moved to the Yarra Valley.
He says it has been a good 45 years, in particular because of the community he is serving.
“It’s still a bush brigade which has a great community feel about it,” he said.
“We’re a small community with no commercial centre, just a school, fire brigade and cricket club really.”
As owner of the machinery hire and sales business in Woori Yallock, he was a handy person to have around, and not only for his mechanical skills.
“The fact that I was working in Woori for 35 years or so was handy because I could attend calls during the day and used to turn out with Woori Yallock as well.
While he is not so ‘hands on’ these days, he has attended many of the campaign fires including Ash Wednesday and Mt Little Joe in 1991.
“Your community gives to you, so you have to give back, I think that’s important,” he said.
It’s a philosophy that Mr Coulson shares.
He has been an officer on and off over the years, along with fire-fighting, and is currently secretary/treasurer of the brigade.
“It’s a terrific boost to the community to have an organisation like the brigade and it’s a good experience being part of it,” he said.
“People can get involved, and there are things other than fighting fires that need doing,” he said.
The brigade has an active junior membership and a catering unit which is greatly valued throughout the region.
“The brigade is always keen to hear from people who would like to join and there are lots of opportunities – you don’t have to fight fires to be a valuable member of a brigade,” Mr Coulson said.
One of the newer brigade members who was also recognised for his contribution was Alex Klein, who received his five-year award.
Mr Coulson said Mr Klein had proven good value to the brigade in his five years.
The brigade is about to embark on a recruiting campaign. For information email hcrfbsecretary@gmail.com.
