Churchill Fire Brigade Celebrates - November 2023
Each year the Churchill Fire Brigade holds a celebratory Presentation Night. The Churchill Hotel hosted the gathering of members, guests and representatives from other local brigades. It was night for chatting, watching a very comprehensive slide show of the brigade's activities over the years, including the old original shed located on Switchback Road.
Following the meal, Captain Shane Renwick spoke, thanking everyone for coming to the brigade's special night. With 100 call outs to fires attended so far this year, he noted that the brigade had been much busier than in 2022. The brigade is going along well, with trucks out of the door for most fires/incidents. Training has been very regular, and he thanked the members for their energy and enthusiasm.
Shane highlighted several teams and individuals including the Fire Equipment Maintenance team of Graeme, Allan and Jack who work tirelessly and create financial income for the brigade. The Community Engagement team was praised for their work effort in building community engagement such as the Shop Local events, Fire Safe Kids program in schools and articles in Churchill & District News. The brigade's social pages are also getting constant news and activity updates to share the brigade's current activity and educational focus.
Neighbouring brigades were commended for their readiness and support, and the Churchill Brigade looks forward to working with them in the coming fire season which was advertised as being very hot and dry with increased levels of fire risk. Shane pleaded with all to stay safe during what is expected to be a challenging year for fire activity, given the current El Nino and higher temperature predictions.
Alanah Shankland was sincerely thanked for her role in organising the Presentation Night, as well as the upcoming Open Day to be held on Sunday October 29 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Fire Station.
Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Ian Bounds acknowledged the commitment of members, also highlighting the promise of a bad fire season, with three significant fires already occurring in mid-October. He passed on thanks to all brigade members from Regional and District personnel for their recent support of the Gippsland fires, including Shane and the Churchill brigade members.
Ian and Shane then presented the awards for the night.
CFA Service Awards | |
D’Artagnan Simpson | 5 Year certificate |
James Cannon | 10 year Medal |
Paul Kelly | 10 year Medal |
Craig King | 10 year Medal |
Jacob Last | 15 year Medal |
Steve Shankland | 20 year Medal |
Brigade Awards | |
Firefighter of the Year | Craig King |
Captain’s Trophy | Matt Lindsay |
Recognition Award | Matt Lindsay |
Shane also unveiled a special tribute to Darren McLean who died on March 7, 1982 following an accident during a fire on Middle Creek Rd Yinnar South. The tribute, a lovely picture of a painting of Darren beautifully framed with explanatory plaque, was presented to the assembled folk with the help of Darren’s father Barry. The tribute will be hung in the Brigade's meeting room at the fire station, and will be a wonderful reminder of Darren McLean and his service to the local community.
To conclude, Shane made public the fact that after four and a half years as Captain, he will be standing down from the position due to a change of personal circumstances. He thanked the members and other brigades for their encouragement and support over that time, saying he would cherish the advice and support he was given.
