Research Fire Brigade, in the Shire of Nillumbik, is about 45km north-west of Melbourne. Although the brigade’s primary risk is bushfire, this is rapidly changing as the urban sprawl moves further out.
Two years ago the brigade identified a need for a thermal imaging camera. They decided to fundraise so they turned to brigade member Andrew Follows, their prime fundraiser.
Andrew is a bit of an unusual CFA member as he is blind in one eye and has partial sight in the other. As well as being a devoted CFA member, his other passion is fast cars so he combined the two to raise money for the brigade.
Because of Andrew’s personality, he was able to galvanise support from the car clubs and car owners to get them all together to display their cars. In October 2017 the first 'Wheels for the Firies' event took place at Eltham College Sports Ground. It was such a great success that it has become an annual fundraising event.
The first two events netted the brigade more than $12,000.
Andrew is truly remarkable. He's also an acclaimed photographer and is currently writing and illustrating a book about how he 'sees' supercars.
I know Research brigade members are proud to have Andrew as a member.