General News
28 October, 2023
Warracknabeal brigade honours stalwarts
Proving their dedication to not only the communities they serve but also to their brigade, 10 Warracknabeal Fire Brigade members have been awarded service badges honouring an incredible 255 years of combined service. Country Fire Authority (CFA)...
Proving their dedication to not only the communities they serve but also to their brigade, 10 Warracknabeal Fire Brigade members have been awarded service badges honouring an incredible 255 years of combined service.
Country Fire Authority (CFA) deputy chief officer Brett Boatman praised the fantastic culture of the Warracknabeal brigade and how "most important to the CFA is the work you do in the community".
Presenting the awards during the opening of the new Warracknabeal Fire Station recently, CFA board member Beth Davidson, herself a fourth-generation CFA member, said: "It's you, the members, who bring your skills, experience and time to your community.
"Thank you also to your families who often experience interrupted meals and the like as you rush off to emergencies."
Honorary brigade life member Colin Newell, also an Australian Fire Services Medal (AFSM) recipient, was presented with a badge for a commendable 55 years of service.
Having commenced his service with Wilkur South Fire Brigade, Mr Newell AFSM later transferred to Bangerang before joining Warracknabeal.
After serving as captain and as group officer, Mr Newell is now the fire equipment maintenance (FEM) co-ordinator and the communications officer for both the brigade and the group.
Commenting that he "doesn't do it for the awards", Mr Newell said he found it satisfying to volunteer for the community.
Fellow honorary life members Ron Zanker and Robert Sharp were presented with badges for 50 and 45 years of service, respectively.
Mr Zanker started out with Rainbow Fire Brigade at 16, later transferring back to his home town of Warracknabeal.
Having served as captain for six years, Mr Zanker has also taken on various roles as part of the management team for more than 30 years.
"The 50 years has gone fast," he said.
"There have been a lot of memorable incidents over the years.
"As a builder I like seeing things built, not burned, so the big fires that are good saves are always pleasurable.
"It's a privilege and an honour to be recognised".
Mr Sharp, who has been with the Warracknabeal Fire Brigade for the entirety of his 45 years' service, said he was happy to have received the award.
At the age of 17 Mr Sharp joined the brigade's championship running team, competing for several years before he "got too old" and pulled the pin.
However, about a decade later the lure proved too strong and it was while cheering on the team that he thought "I can still do this" and pulled his runners on again.
After enjoying a few more years as part of the running team, Mr Sharp ended his running career on a high after the team won the Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) State Urban Senior Championship in the hose and reel sixes at Mildura.
Other brigade members to receive service awards were Craig Byron and Ken Peters (25 years), Geoff Ward (20 years), Nadine Whelan (15 years) and Jason Wright (10 years).
Certificates were presented to Angus Byron and Matthew Restall in recognition of their five years of service to the brigade.