by Glen Tarrant, Brigade Support Officer, Baw Baw District
As you drive south from Warragul or Drouin towards Korumburra, you may pass a CFA fire truck with a new name on it.
At an historic public meeting held in May this year the Lardner and South Drouin Fire Brigades were amalgamated to form a new brigade called Hallora & District Fire Brigade, which came into existence on 1 July 2008.
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The new brigade held its election of officer bearers early in June to be ready to take on the important role of operating the newly formed Fire Brigade in July. Roy Sheffield was elected as inaugural Captain of the Hallora & District Fire Brigade, supported by Dean Alush, Evan Manintveld, Mark Louttit, Michael Keane, and Alan Buckler as the lieutenants, and Alan Lamond as Secretary/Treasurer.
The new brigade celebrated the historic event with its award presentation dinner held at the Daisy Patch Restaurant. Captain Roy Sheffield, in his welcome address, spoke about the process involved and thanked the members for their perseverance and patience.
CFA volunteers Jim Smethurst and Phillip Allan spoke on the history of the South Drouin Fire Brigade and the Lardner Fire Brigade relating some interesting and humorous stories over 60 years of service.
Baw Baw District Catchment Officer, Mark Jones, in presenting Captain Sheffield with a Certificate of Registration for the new brigade, said:
"This was a new beginning and a strengthening of a brigade for the community and I see no reason to think that another 60 years plus would not be achievable."
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of Life Member Certificates to 10 members who had contributed a third of their lifetimes to their local brigades. They were presented with a certificate and their names have been recorded on honour boards to be proudly displayed in each of the fire stations.
The honour board that will hang in the Drouin South Station was dedicated to the memory of Bruce Hedley. A rendition of Bruce’s service life in the CFA, including humorous stories about snakes and how the South Drouin Brigade came to be called “South Drouin” in a speech by MC, Ex-Captain Alan Davies, produced some light heartedness in remembering a person who lived for CFA and his service to the community. This honour and dedication was accepted in a response by Bruce’s widow, Barbara Hedley on behalf of the Hedley family.
The last presentation of the evening was the inaugural Most Distinguished Service Award presented by Captain Roy Sheffield. Captain Roy stated that "this award is made every two years and is the culmination of recorded attendances at brigade events, operational turn-outs and also the member’s volunteer service within the wider community."
The first recipient of this ongoing award was Ex-Captain Alan Davies.
Alan Davies said "we don’t become members of CFA to receive accolades, but to serve the community as a volunteer". He also stated that he had enjoyed being part of a brigade and had made a lot of friends who had been partly responsible for him gaining this award. He went on to thank the members and especially his family for their support.
Captain Roy Sheffield said "without volunteers from the local community brigades like Hallora & District Fire Brigade wouldn’t exist. Our community needs to contribute to the protection of its own life and property."
Captain Sheffield extended an invitation by saying, "If new to the area come by the Lardner or Drouin South Fire Stations and talk to one of our members about joining Hallora Fire Brigade as a volunteer, the rewards are fantastic".
Mark Jones commented that "it was the support of local communities in donations and serving as volunteers that allow CFA to continually provide an important and vital service."
Those wishing to learn more about joining the ranks of CFA as a volunteer can check out the CFA website, www.cfa.vic.gov.au or contact the toll free number 1800 232 636.
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