Seventy years have passed since Teesdale Rural Fire Brigade broke away from Inverleigh to become a brigade in its own right.
To mark this special milestone Teesdale brigade, the Teesdale Markets and Live @ Turtle Bend Committee came together to hold a community event to celebrate all Teesdale clubs and organisations, including a special birthday celebration for the brigade in the stunning Turtle Bend area.
Teesdale is the second largest community in Golden Plains Shire and the fifth most rapidly growing township in Victoria. In recognising how important it is to get the fire safety message out, Teesdale brigade chose to use the event to advertise about the upcoming fire season and to promote the message 'Preparedness is the best prevention'.
With kind weather and the sun shining, the event was a major success with displays, banners, educational fire safety information and children’s show bags.
In recognition of the brigade’s 70th anniversary, the brigade welcomed special guests. The celebration opened with the Fire Safety Show, where Firefighter April, Charlie the Dog and Captain Koala captivated the audience of children, who joined in enthusiastically with the spirited song and dance. April’s enthusiasm was tangible, and her presentation electric and the show brought colour and movement and a whole lot of fun to young and old alike, while teaching some very important fire safety messages.
Assistant Chief Officer Rohan Luke acknowledged the brigade’s 70 years of service to its community and the service the volunteers provide to communities across Victoria.
“I wish to congratulate the Brigade on the 70 years and acknowledge the great work the brigade does in the Teesdale community and more further across the region," Rohan said. "It is obvious from today’s celebration that the brigade plays an important part in the community and this is vital as we work together to prepare our communities for fire.
“I’d also like to acknowledge the support from our members’ families who are integral in supporting the Teesdale members to respond to calls at all times of day and night. Without this, the brigade could not do what it does so well: support their community.”
Rohan advised that in rural communities such as Teesdale, without volunteer brigades, a greater exposure and vulnerability to the risk of grass and bushfire would be present.
Rohan presented a framed 70th birthday celebration certificate to Teesdale Captain Rob Galtry as recognition to the brigade members past and present for their commitment to CFA, the service provided to the Teesdale community and their support to surrounding brigades in the district and state in times of need.
Brigade members wish to thank ACO Rohan Luke and Firefighter April and Charlie for coming to help celebrate this memorable occasion, and also Districts 7 and 15 HQ staff for their support to Teesdale brigade’s efforts towards a continued strong connection with its community.