Honouring 80 years of dedication at Main Ridge

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Captain Matt Gallace and firefighter Ian Troutbeck

A passionate 80 years of community service was celebrated over the weekend, as CFA members from Main Ridge Fire Brigade gathered with friends and family to mark the occasion.

In lieu of their postponed 75^th celebrations, more than 50 people met at Merricks General Wine Store on Saturday (16 May) for a brigade dinner to acknowledge the remarkable achievement and present service awards to long-standing members.

CFA Deputy Chief Officer Alen Slijepcevic AFSM joined the festivities alongside local Captains and those from further abroad, and presented more than six National Medals, one with 1^st Clasp.

Main Ridge Fire Brigade Captain Matt Gallace opened the night and said it was a fantastic opportunity to come together on a more formal occasion to celebrate the milestone together.

“It was really nice to get together outside of the day-to-day training and jobs to take a look back at what we’ve achieved, what we’re here for, and the friendships we’ve made,” Matt said.

“I’ve been a part of the brigade for 29 years, with a one-year transfer to Warrnambool when I was at university, however, the culture has not changed over my time, it has always been terrific.

“We’ve had a really good run with people and that’s probably why we’re all members.

“We’ve got another four members coming through the training ranks at the moment, but new members are always welcome.”

Main Ridge Fire Brigade was formed in 1946 to service the needs of the surrounding area, with 29 founding members equipped with knapsacks, 100-gallon tanks, slashers, beaters, a cross-cut saw, axes and fire hoses. Now, 36 members attend approximately 60 incidents annually.

Prior to the formation of the brigade, fire suppression was undertaken by a small group of local residents equipped with knapsack sprayers and army boot beaters.

The brigade is part of the Hill and Ridge Emergency Network, made up of like-minded community stakeholders, and members continue to contribute their time annually to the Good Friday Appeal to collect community donations.

Matt said current and former members have a long history in fire prevention and planning, and the brigade’s equipment and resources have come a long way since he started.

“So much has changed and improved over the years for the better, particularly the new station that we moved into in 2014 which allows us to operate in more modern facilities,” Matt said.

“The new station is situated opposite the site of the very first Main Ridge fire station and is the third one we have been in over the 80 years.”

There has been ongoing advocacy from the brigade, significantly led by former Captain Ian Troutbeck, for the installation of strategic firefighting water tanks across their catchment since 2021. Following a successful grant, the brigade now proudly houses one at the station.

Seven service awards were presented on the night, ranging from five years to a momentous 45 years, all presented by CFA Commander Nick Bryant and Captain Matt Gallace.

15-year service award recipients Kevin Wyatt and Justin O’Brien were congratulated for the critical role they played in gaining recent successful VESEP grants to obtain a new Light Tanker and to coordinate a new changeroom project to accommodate an expanding membership.

Secretary Katie McKenzie said the brigade has a history of helping when it’s needed, both locally and beyond through strike teams, and they recently responded to the Longwood fires in January.

“During this deployment, Main Ridge members formed a relationship with the Gooram and Ruffy Fire Brigades,” Katie said.

“This relationship has helped to facilitate continuing support through an ongoing Victorian Farmers Federation hay drive, involving substantial coordination efforts from Ian Troutbeck and generous support from local community members and organisations.”

If you’re interested in joining CFA or learning more about volunteering, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteer.