Doreen fire volunteers awarded for outstanding service

Doreen Fire Brigade last weekend opened its doors to celebrate numerous outstanding members and officially reopen the station following major works.

23 Country Fire Authority, CFA, members were recognised for their committed service, including a Unit Citation for seven members who were instrumental in fire response and civilian safety during the 2019 Bunyip Fire.

A recognition of gratitude and the bond formed between the Doreen and Rochester brigades during the 2022 floods was also presented, as the latter gifted a framed CFA flag, photos and brief statement to be displayed at the Doreen station.

Whittlesea Diamond Valley group officer Peter Bury said it was an honour to be able to recognise the CFA members for their service to the community.

“For me, it’s an absolute pleasure to be able to spend time with the Doreen brigade and to celebrate the significant achievement of not only the individual members, … but also their collective capability as a unit,” he said.

“It’s a clear demonstration of the type of work and the range of work that CFA delivers to communities 24/7, 365, and being able to help recognise that award is an immense pleasure.”

Mr Bury said it was also great to see the station reopening, as the Doreen brigade had to be able to cover a wide range of communities and areas due to its geographical location.

The station now boasts improved equipment and facilities and has the space to accommodate a larger number of people to assist in CFA operations.

“The diversity of roles that a place like Doreen serves means the station’s got to be able to provide the capability for [residential, industrial, and bush firefighting] environments,” Mr Bury said.

“That’s often the case with CFA brigades, it’s the dual environment that we work in so our stations, our equipment and our appliances need to be able to do both roles.”

Doreen CFA award recipients