By Pam Kiriakidis
Doreen Country Fire Authority, CFA, volunteers were acknowledged for their contributions at an awards presentation, which also celebrated 80 years’ of the fire brigade’s service to the community.
Volunteers hosted an afternoon tea at Doreen Fire Station last month, joined by families who watched members receive an award for their contribution.
Assistant chief fire officer Tim Holland presented certificates and medals to honour service ranging from five to 35 years.
Five-year certificates were dedicated to 15 members, 13 members received medals for 10 years, while four members accepted medals for 15 years, and eight for reaching the 20-year mark.
Two volunteers out of 40 active members at Doreen were recognised for their 25 and 35 years of committed service.
CFA chief executive Natalie MacDonald granted the national medal to six volunteers, recognising their prolonged exposure to hazard in the service of the community.
Captain Robert Bury who has been part of the service for 25 years said the national medal was a prestigious award, highlighting the dedication of a volunteer.
“The national medal is not something given lightly, it’s only a few people that qualify for it, you can be a member of the fire brigade for 25 years, but never expose yourself to danger ever,” Mr Bury said.
Mr Bury said he was honoured to be present at the awards, talking to his colleagues and seeing members from other brigades attend to support their peers.
District 14 commander Peter Spicer and deputy chief officer Gavin Thompson attended, along with many other guests from neighbouring brigades.
“After two years of lockdowns, everyone was quite happy to come together. We were privileged to have the CEO of the CFA and a number of other dignitaries from the CFA to turn up and present the awards,” Mr Bury said.
“We’re also very lucky to have captains, lieutenants, and other officers and members from the surrounding brigades to support us as well.”
Doreen CFA has been operating since 1942, training individuals to prepare for emergencies and incidents.
Mr Bury said recognising people’s efforts once in a while was also acknowledging their purpose, and their families.
“They are all volunteers, they all have work lives and family lives, and they give up their time freely to protect the community, it’s important to recognise they actually do it,” he said.
“There’s absolutely nothing better than turning up to your job, doing what you have to do, and seeing a smile on a small child’s face makes it all worthwhile.
“It’s people helping people. It’s our ability to help the community that we take great pride in.”
