CFA was on hand at the Sungold Field Days with an informative display with the aim to recruit new members.
The Sungold Field Days was held on 11-13 February and CFA’s involvement in the annual event spans many years.
The field days is an important calendar event in the state’s south west with businesses and enthusiasts coming from across the state to take part.
The annual three day event is one of the largest dairy related events in Australia, with over 420 companies showcasing the latest technologies in farming.
Typically, attendees consist of the farming community; however, numerous school groups and people from the nearby regional town of Warrnambool attend in large numbers.
The Hopkin-Curdies Group of Brigades has heavily supported the event each year with a display and with the provision of asset protection in case of emergency. The site included a display of their Field Command Vehicle, as well as the Peterborough Tanker and Allansford Tanker. This year the Grand Parade of vintage vehicles was led by the Hopkin-Curdies Field Command Vehicle.
The Hopkin-Curdies Group is made up of 10 brigades, with some very enthusiastic members. Volunteers gave up their time to man the display which included recruitment material. Brigades within the group are always looking for volunteers and information about joining a brigade was available.
Group officer Gary Hayes, was on hand to provide information and Tanya Lyons (BASO) produced individual pamphlets detailing information and contacts for each brigade in the group.
The Mobile Education Bus was also on site. The bus provides a presenter-based program which is enhanced with multimedia and other interactive displays. Talks by the presenters were tailored to suit the audience, which included primary and secondary school children as well as adults.
Author: Julie Owens