Mt Hotham Dinner Plain Brigade 10th Anniversary

(left to right) Lee Magnussen, Capt. Larry Doyle, Jaron Martin, Greg O’Donohue, Comms. Officer Fiona Magnussen , 2nd Lt. Marg Brown , 1st Lt. Chris Davies , Dave Foster

Late 2007 marked a significant time in the short but eventful history of the Mt Hotham Dinner Plain Fire Brigade.

A number of events were organised to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the formation of the brigade as a CFA unit. CFA assumed responsibility for Mt Hotham Alpine Resort on 1 July 1997, when fire protection responsibilities were transferred from the then Department of Natural Resources and Environment (now DSE).

Mt Hotham Dinner Plain brigade is responsible for fire services to the only two villages located above the snow line on Australia’s Great Dividing Range. The elevation of the brigade's area ranges between 1200 and 1861 metres. (From Fire on the Great Divide, see below).

The program for the weekend included an open house at both stations, with a gala dinner at 'The General' in Hotham on Saturday evening followed by brunch at McIntyre’s Restaurant on Sunday morning in Dinner Plain. Members and friends of the brigade participated in a very enjoyable weekend.

Brett Boatman, Operations officer from 2002 – 04, acted as MC for the dinner during which members and guests enjoyed a wonderful photo display of the brigade’s history.

Fire on the Great Divide, a history of the brigade prepared by Communications Officer Fiona Magnussen, was presented to Captain Larry Doyle and a Brigade Office Bearers Board was unveiled. All members and guests were invited to share their favourite story about the brigade and its members – much to the enjoyment of all.

Copies of the photo display and the brigade history are available from the brigade.

Oversnow pumper