Story by Captain Colin Watt
CFA has recognised the service of District 5 Headquarters Brigade members at a presentation ceremony held in Warrnambool on Sunday, 10 November 2013.
26 brigade members with their families attended an afternoon tea where service awards and a National Medal with clasps were presented by CFA Board Member Don Robertson. First Lieutenant Daryl Love as MC for the ceremony was assisted by Operations Officer Bruce Farquharson and Brigade Administration Support Officer Heath Bunting.
The District 5 Headquarters brigade was registered in December 2003. It has approximately fifty members who provide operational support during an incident and perform administration duties throughout the year.
Members’ skills include, driving, welfare support, aviation functions, staging area management, computing, media support, community education, strike team co-ordination and facilities maintenance. They do these duties mostly in District 5 however have served at other Victorian and interstate location depending upon operational requirements.
The brigade meets twice a year. Training is conducted at least twice a year and is currently preparing for the coming fire season.
This presentation ceremony recognised members’ service ranging from five to 50 years.
Five year service certificates were awarded to Cheryl McKinnon, Neil Povey, Lynne Carter, Tania Sigley, Samantha Middleton and Nan Pressey.
10 year service medals were awarded to Stacey Haley, Kerri-Leigh Dalziel, 3rd Lt Kevin Porter, Barrie Aarons, Jo Brown, Jenni Neaves and Bev Nash.
15 year service medal was awarded to Marilyn Whittley.
25 year service medal was awarded to Brian Adams.
30 year service medal was awarded to Garry Finnigan.
35 year service medals were awarded to 2nd Lt Neil Sandford, Ashley Binney and John Robinson.
40 year service medal was awarded to Simon Wilson.
45 year service medal was awarded to Captain Colin Watt.
50 year service medal was awarded to Secretary Peter Waldron
Three members were presented with a National Medal or Clasps. A National Medal represents fifteen years of diligent service and each clasp a further ten years of diligent service.
Bill Dunstan received a National Medal and four clasps representing sixty years of service.
Bill joined the Terang Fire Brigade in September 1947 and the Hamilton Fire Brigade in November 1952 where he was captain for thirty-two years. He was a member of the Region 5 Support Team prior to the formation of the brigade in 2003.
Daryl Love received a third clasp to his National Medal. Daryl joined the Nhill Fire Brigade in May 1966 and CFA staff in March 1969 until retirement in December 2012. Daryl joined the District 5 Headquarters brigade in January 2006.
Colin Watt received a third clasp to his National Medal. Colin joined the Balnarring Fire Brigade in January 1964, the CFA in July 1974 and retired in mid 2007. He is the inaugural and current captain of the District 5 Headquarters Brigade.
CFA Board Member Don Robertson thanked all members for their many years of dedicated service and their substantial contribution to their local communities in the support of the prevention and suppression of fire and provision of emergency services.
PHOTOS:
Left to Right
Captain Colin Watt, Member Bill Dunstan, 1st Lt Daryl Love and CFA Board Member Don Robertson
Service Award recipients
Left to Right
Back Row: John Robinson, 1st Lt Daryl Love, CFA Board Member Don Robertson, Ashley Binney
Middle Row: Brian Adams, 2nd Lt Neil Sandford, 3rd Lt Kevin Porter, Cheryl McKinnon, Jenni Neaves, Bev Nash, Captain Colin Watt
Front Row: Secretary Peter Waldron, Bill Dunstan, Nan Pressey, Lynne Carter
Author: CFA News