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A street at the new CFA VEMTC training facility in Central Highlands has been named after a decorated CFA member, the late Greg Allisey AFSM.
The new state-of-the-art facility near Ballan was unveiled on 23 November and features a driving course with 10 streets named in honour of illustrious CFA members.
CFA unveiled Allisey Track, named after Greg, in recognition of his important contribution to the Victorian fire services, and mentorship as a driving instructor at the Fiskville training site.
Greg was involved in the fire services from the age of 13 and turned his passion into a successful and renowned career with not only CFA but through his contribution to Fijian fire services as well.
He joined the Frankston Fire Brigade as a junior firefighter in May 1964 where he began as a volunteer firefighter, before moving into the career ranks in Dandenong in 1972.
Greg served as a Station Officer at Bendigo, Boronia, Fiskville and Frankston. Notably, he was a staff instructor at Fiskville training facility for some time as well. His family has strong ties to the site; Greg’s father, Frank Allisey helped establish the facility when he was a CFA Assistant Chief Officer.
Greg was described as a committed and efficient driving instructor and his son, and Wangaratta CFA Captain, Jason Allisey said he made a formative impact on many new recruits through those courses.
“CFA has always been a huge part of our family,” Jason said.
“Through dad (Greg) and my grandfather (Frank), CFA has become an important part of my life as well.
“Dad made some really meaningful contributions to the CFA in his time as both a volunteer and a senior career firefighter.
“He was a great leader to both career and volunteer members and knew how to teach.”
He moved across positions as District Officer and Officer in Charge at Chelsea and Frankston from 1988 until 2004 – with a stint as Region 8 HQ during that time as well.
A significant chapter in Greg’s career came in 2004 when he spent two years as Chief Fire Officer of the National Fire Authority in Fiji and oversaw vast improvement of the service under his leadership.
Greg returned as an Operations Manager at CFA Headquarters until 2008 when he retired after 36 years as an operational employee.
“He’s been incredibly supportive of me through my CFA journey,” Jason said.
“From helping me climb the ranks to become a young 1st Lieutenant at Frankston Fire Brigade and to now becoming the first Captain of Wangaratta Fire Brigade at an integrated station – his leadership has influenced me greatly and I wouldn’t be in this position without him.”
In retirement, Greg’s service continued as a volunteer member with Patterson River brigade before he relocated to Echuca and joined the local brigade in 2009.
Jason said while his father tried to make more modest contributions to Echuca in his volunteer capacity, members knew they could turn to him for leadership and guidance during the 12 years he spent at the brigade.
“He seemed to really enjoy being around the brigade and the members really valued his knowledge and skills; learning from him whenever they could,” he said.
Greg sadly passed away in October last year.
“He would be proud of the Allisey Track at the new CFA training course,” Jason said.
“It goes to show the respect dad built among his peers and across the CFA.”