Cardinia Shire thank-you event

Words and photos by Blair Dellemijn, CFA Public Affairs Digital Media

CFA brigades and other emergency service personnel in the Cardinia Shire took part in a special thank-you service in Pakenham on Sunday 19 April.

Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Bill Pearson felt the need to pay tribute to all CFA members who took part in the effort to fight the fires raging throughout Victoria in February.

A member from each brigade, 18 in all, received a certificate and medallion to commemorate the formal recognition service.

The local community bank also attended the event, presenting a $35,000 cheque to the Koo Wee Rup Fire Brigade for a new Slip-On Unit and a donation of a new Command Vehicle for Region 8. The keys were handed to General Manager of the Westernport Area, Peter Schmidt.

It was a well attended event for the community with Cardinia Shire residents and church leaders from the area celebrating the efforts of our firefighters.

After the service and recognition ceremony the local Lions Club supplied a sausage sizzle.

The function was held at the amphitheatre at the Cardinia Cultural Centre in Pakenham.