Brigade members and the wider community united to mark 85 years of the Rowsley CFA Fire Brigade, with an honour board unveiling ceremony part of the day’s celebrations.
Hosted on Sunday 5 October at the Rowsley Fire Station, the event included a community barbecue, children’s activities, bushfire preparation presentations and talks, an awards ceremony, and a chance to see the brigade’s fire trucks up close.
With 40 current brigade members, the number of attendees at the event exceeded 150.
The day ended with the unveiling of an honour board that lists all of the office bearers, captains, and lieutenants from 1940 until today – along with a list of national and CFA awards.
Brigade members who received service awards on the day were Neil Chalmers for five years of service, Melinda Fitzpatrick for 10 years, Nick Amphlett for 15, Alex Veljanoski for 25, and Luke Pedretti for 30.
Member Andrew Wardell was awarded with a national medal, and members Steven Bullard, Alex Veljanoski, and Graham Simpson received life membership.
Ms Fitzpatrick, who is also brigade treasurer and communications officer, said that she enjoys being able to be part of the community and “helping out where we can”.
“We also have started, over the last few years, to raise money for the brigade and we’re also getting now called on to feed firefighters at other events around the place with our barbecue trailer,” Ms Fitzpatrick said.
She said through the brigade’s tireless fundraising, they were recently able to purchase a Toyota ute, which is now being turned into an ultralight service vehicle.
“We’re really lucky that the brigades got so many volunteers who are willing to help out …
It’s wonderful to see such local support.”
