Mt Beauty Fire Brigade celebrates 75 years

Credit: Mt Beauty Fire Brigade

 

Having not celebrated a milestone in the past, it was only fitting Mt Beauty Fire Brigade decided their 75th anniversary was going to be the one to remember.

 

Although not as old as many brigades in Victoria, they are extremely proud of their unique beginning when first established in 1948 with the support of the State Electricity Commission (SEC). The fire station was built and the brigade formed as part of the infrastructure that was needed for a construction town.

While volunteers rallied on their own for quite some time, it wasn’t until 1962 that the town was handed over to the Shire of Bright and the brigade became aligned to CFA and its resources.

On Saturday 11 November, over 120 guests gathered in a marquee outside the fire station for a catered lunch by the brigade's devoted auxiliary as award presentations and speeches were made.

Guests were able to view the archive display of winning trophies, old uniforms, photographs and the main feature, the competition reel that was purchased by the auxiliary in 1954.

The day concluded with a casual barbecue where members and their families continued to reminisce about their experiences and tales of the brigade.

Mt Beauty Secretary of 12 years, Sandra Eldridge, said the distinguished event was an important occasion to come together as a community to recognise the history of the brigade and the efforts of long serving members.

“We have not held a significant event like this previously, so it was wonderful to see 25 of our deserving members receive their National Medals and clasps, service medals and honorary life memberships for the first time,” Sandra said.

“Two members, Paul Macklan and Andy Barbour, received Outstanding Service Medals. Their contributions have been beyond outstanding.

“To be awarded the medal as an individual is exceptional, but to have two awarded in the same brigade at the same time is unprecedented.

“Of course, it was a surprise to them both. Nobody joins CFA for accolades, but recognising the pivotal and selfless roles Andy and Paul have played in our brigade in this way is very deserved."

Sandra is in awe of the contribution that all members give to the brigade, particularly their tireless dedication to learning and maintaining skills during training to better their community response.

“We have 47 members, comprising firefighters, brigade members, and our loyal auxiliary. They have great camaraderie and are prepared to travel great distances for training and skills maintenance,” Sandra said.

“Our brigade has specialised in road accident rescue since 1991 and high angle rescue since 1996, and we are now part of the broader North-east Technical Rescue.

“We are surrounded by mountainous roads, some of which head to the snow, so we respond to serious incidents out there, as well as other road accidents, fires and rescues.”

Having moved into their new fire station in 1994, the volunteers have maintained a strong and viable brigade that pride themselves on serving their community.

 

Submitted by	CFA Media