CFA volunteers upheld a longstanding tradition in Diamond Creek over the weekend, participating in a torchlight parade through town as part of the Diamond Creek Rotary Town Fair.
The parade was led by the Diamond Creek Pumper, driven by Captain Noel Farmer, and included both junior and senior CFA volunteers from Diamond Creek, Doreen, Plenty, Whittlesea, Bulla, Hilldene, Craigieburn and Research fire brigades.
Members of the community lined the 800-metre route as the brigades travelled down the main street of Diamond Creek, holding LED-powered lanterns which resemble traditional torches.
From the eight participating brigades, the cohort was made up of 64 marchers, 21 members in CFA vehicles, four marshals and many family members there to watch and support.
Antoinette Calleja from Diamond Creek Fire Brigade said the parade has been an important tradition for the community for many years.
“We have been participating in the torchlight parade for over 20 years and we have tried to maintain the historical integrity of the event each year,” Antoinette said.
“As the organiser of the event on behalf of the brigade, my aim is to ensure that the event is not only successful, but that it also honours the traditions associated with it.
“I want to ensure that the correct steps are followed to maintain the traditional ceremonial aspects, such as the order of march, music selection and dress code.
“There’s a lot of planning, networking and coordination required to put this event together.
“It’s fantastic to hear the pipe band in the background and see the last marcher stepping off.”
Awards are given to the three highest ranked senior and junior brigades, with Plenty and Doreen brigades taking out the junior awards, and Plenty, Whittlesea and Hilldene nabbing the senior awards.
Inclement weather on the day caused some last-minute problems, with Eynesbury Fire Brigade unable to attend, and a change to the planned marching route.
“We had a hailstorm pass through just before we commenced and access to Coventry Oval was deemed to be a safety risk for the marchers,” Antoinette said.
“Rather than cancelling the event I proposed a change of route. The skills I’ve acquired through CFA kicked in pretty quickly, and we adapted well to overcome the challenge.”
Some quick changes to the plans and a briefing for everyone involved saw the march go off without a hitch. Diamond Creek Fire Brigade’s cohort of 17 marchers was led by 2nd Lieutenant Bruce Selleck for the first time.
“When I spoke to Bruce, he expressed how extremely proud and humbled he was to lead the brigade after having transferred just 12 months ago, and the sense of occasion wasn’t lost on him,” Antoinette said.
The event also provided an opportunity for CFA volunteers to interact with the community, with some locals showing interest in joining their brigade or attending future events at Diamond Creek Fire Station.
Images courtesy of: Neil Bidwell, Roger Knight, Diamond Creek Rotary Club and Antoinette Calleja