Awards and book for Darnum Ellinbank CFA
The presentation of service awards and the launch of the history of the Darnum Ellinbank Fire Brigade were features at the recent 70th anniversary celebrations.
Nearly 100 people, including interstate guests, attended the afternoon tea to commemorate the 70th birthday.
Long time former captain Kevin Tyrrell and member Russell Gaul received service awards for 45 years.
Minute secretary Merrin Butler was awarded a five year service award.
Russell also received the national emergency service award for significant service during Black Saturday bushfires in 2009.
Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood launched the brigade’s history 70 Years of Volunteering.
Written and researched by Carolyn Turner, the book features the brigade’s history since its formation in April 1946.
Mr Blackwood said it was a credit to the brigade to achieve 70 years of service to the Darnum Ellinbank district.
He said it was so important that organisations recorded their history, honoring the legacy and passing on to future generations such important information.
Mr Blackwood said the CFA was formed as a result of the Royal Commission into the horrific 1939 bushfires.
Noojee and Tynong also are celebrating 70th anniversaries this year, he said.
Mr Blackwood said both volunteer and career firefighters contributed a great deal to protecting their communities.
Assistant chief officer Trevor Owen commended the brigade on achieving 70 years of service to the local community.
He said it was great to see so many brigade members as well as family and friends attending the function.
He congratulated the brigade members for their service to the community going back 70 years.
He said it was obvious the brigade was able to continue through such a long period of time because of great leadership and great strength by the members.
He also thanked the family members who supported the brigade and ensured members could attend fires and other call outs.
Mr Owen said it was a great achievement that the brigade had serviced its local community and its broader community for 70 years.
Trafalgar Truck Restorers Club member Michael Herbert displayed his 1962 Austin Fire Brigade which has been restored to its original condition.
Mr Herbert bought it in 2013. It is similar the the Darnum Ellinbank’s original firetruck.
The brigade’s history book features memories for the minutes and the many, many fire and accident calls out.
There are profiles of every captain in the brigade’s history and a chapter on the families and people of Darnum. Ellinbank, Cloverlea and Bona Vista which were involved with the formation of the brigade.
Originally based in Ellinbank adjacent to the Ellinbank Hall, the brigade moved to Hazeldean Rd in Ellinbank before opening a new station and community hub in Cloverlea two years ago.
The 48 page book also includes many photographs from the past as well as more recent training and events.
It is available to buy for $15 from Darnum Post Office or The Gazette office, 97 Queen St, Warragul.