On Sunday 30 October Katamatite Fire Brigade held its Brigade Open Day in conjunction with its annual Community Garage and Car Boot Sale.
By Captain John Parnell
The brigade has been opening its station doors to the community for the past four years and has found this to be very successful way to interact with the community.
Approximately 40 community members visited the station to join in the fun.
Open days are a great opportunity for brigades to unite, meet the local community and show Victorians how they can protect themselves, their families and properties from fire this summer.
Katamatite Brigade Captain John Parnell said the Open Day provided an opportunity for the community and the brigade to build a great partnership together.
“We are a community based organisation so we need to be part of the community and the community needs to be part of us,” said Captain Parnell.
“We have always been well supported by our community which is greatly appreciated and doesn’t go unnoticed. We’re always striving to enhance our community engagement and events like these provide the perfect opportunity.
“Overall the day was a huge success; we even managed to recruit some new brigade members.
“Two community members who moved in the community from Melbourne two years ago found out about the type of activities you can do in CFA and decided to join the Brigade. They will attend their first brigade meeting next month and will be welcomed with open arms.”
As well as the Open Day, the brigade also hosted a Community Garage and Car Boot Sale. This annual event, held on Melbourne Cup weekend, is the brigade’s main fundraising event for the year.
“We host the event over Melbourne Cup weekend to take advantage of the Melbourne holiday makers traveling through the town,” said Captain Parnell.
“A big thank you to everyone who came along on Sunday to show their support. Myself and the rest of the brigade appreciate all the community support.”
Author: CFA Media