On Sunday 13 August the Phillip Island Fire Brigade played hosts to Their Excellencies, The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove and Lady Cosgrove.
Their Excellencies were greeted by Captain Gary Grace and were escorted into the Station where Sir Peter spoke to the assembled members and expressed his thanks and admiration for the work that our volunteers perform. Sir Peter spoke of his involvement with emergency services particularly in light of Cyclone Larry in Queensland when he led the rebuilding efforts.
Sir Peter was very interested in the Brigades latest appliance, a 1967 Austin Small Town Tanker which has been donated to the Brigade as part of its 80th birthday celebrations.
Sir Peter was amazed when introduced to Ex Captain Arthur “Artie” Murdoch who has 68 years service to the Phillip Island Fire Brigade. Artie is still an active member of the Brigade and is a regular around the station. Artie’s son David Murdoch is a Senior Station Officer at Pakenham and his Grandson Kyle is a keen member of the Phillip Island Fire Brigade.
Sir Peter commented that he had just turned 70 years old and he “felt like a pup” when compared to Artie. Sir Peter presented Artie and the Brigade with Official Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia medallions. This is something that the Brigade and Artie will cherish for years.
Their Excellencies where on a whirlwind visit to Phillip Island and they expressed a desire to meet with as many of the volunteers that contribute to making Phillip Island the wonderful place it is to live and visit. Their Excellencies also visited the Phillip Island SES Unit, Scouts, Cape Woolamai Surf Lifesaving Club and the National Vietnam Veterans Museum.
Author: Scott Hamilton