NOT many people can say their name sits proudly on the side of a CFA tanker, but former Springfield Fire Brigade captain Patrick Clarke can.
The adornment on Springfield’s Tanker 2 was just one of many nods of recognition bestowed upon Mr Clarke at the May 9 presentation night as the brigade also celebrated him receiving CFA Life Membership.
To top off a memorable night, Mr Clarke received the 60 Years CFA Service Award and the National Medal – 3rd Clasp, awarded to those who have offered an additional 30 years of service on the top of the 15 required to receive the National Medal.
In a Facebook post, the Springfield Fire Brigade said: “Pat is a wealth of knowledge, an icon of the area, a mentor and someone looked up to by each and every member of the brigade.”
“His commitment, leadership and passion for the community have put a lasting mark on Springfield Fire Brigade.”
Members of Mr Clarke’s family — his wife Carolyn, his daughters Karen and Janet, and his son James — were also in attendance.
Mr Clarke remains a serving member of the brigade to the this day.
Also honouring volunteers was the Mitchell Shire Council (MSC), who has chosen 10 community-led projects to receive up to $1000 each in funding from the MSC’s National Volunteer Week Grant Program.
Emergency service providers, sporting clubs and members of the arts sector are among those who have been selected as part of the funding program, which the MSC says is intended to support initiatives that strengthen volunteer participation and recognise the contribution of volunteers across the shire.
Riding for the Disabled Association of Victoria (RDA) Seymour was one of the recipients, awarded $1000 to support the implementation of two training and development activities.
RDA Seymour’s secretary Sue Cross told the Review that part of the money will help send four of the organisation’s coaches to a national equestrian coaching conference in July.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our coaches to develop their skills and incorporate the learnings from the two-day event into the lessons they deliver each fortnight at our facility in Kings Park,” Ms Cross said.
She said the remaining funds will be used to train their coaches and first-aiders in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation.
“(The training) requires annual renewal, which is a significant cost to our organisation, so the grant funding will greatly assist in covering some of that cost for 2026,” she said.
The Broadford Living and Learning Centre – Ukulele Group joined the Mitchell Shire Concert Band in receiving funding, as did the 1st Broadford Scout Group.
The riding community was well represented in the funding handouts, with the Kilmore and District Adult Riding Club also receiving a funding boost.
Other recipients were the Wallan Junior Football Club, SES Kilmore and SES Seymour, the Seymour Performers Workshop and the Lions Club of Seymour-Goulburn.
This year’s theme for National Volunteer Week was ‘Your Year To Volunteer’, encouraging people across Australia to get involved and make a difference while also honouring the contributions of current volunteers.
