Wayne Rooke, 1st Lieutenant of the Warrnambool Fire Brigade and a qualified fire investigator, was recognised on Australia Day for his contribution to the brigade and community.
Wayne was among those who were recognised with a Local Achiever Award for their efforts to enrich the Warrnambool community. Wayne was presented with his award at the Australia Day celebrations in Warrnambool on Monday the 26th of January 2015.
In his role as 1st Lieutenant, Wayne has been a role model to fellow brigade members, epitomising service to the community for over 30 years.
He attends the majority of incidents that occur in Warrnambool each year, assisting fellow CFA members to develop their skills and knowledge, whilst fulfilling the vital specialist role of fire investigator.
An integrated brigade, Warrnambool responds to over 600 calls a year, including house fires, accidents, bush and grass fires and to alarmed premises.
Warrnambool City Council Mayor Michael Neoh said that all of the winners had made significant contributions to the Warrnambool community.
“Each of the award winners has achieved so much in different fields, but they can be linked by one attribute – selflessness,” Cr Neoh said.
Wayne has been a member of CFA since 1984, joining the Geelong West Brigade as a reserve. When he moved to Warrnambool in 1994 he joined the Warrnambool Fire Brigade. Wayne has held many leadership positions including 1st Lieutenant, Merri Group Delegate and VFBV Delegate.
He was a member of the committee that ran the Junior and Senior State Championships and the celebrations for the Bridge’s 150th birthday in 2013.
In recent times, Wayne has been instrumental in supporting the Brigade with the building of the new station, due to be completed by the end of this year.
Author: Julie Owens