Churchill Fire Brigade Presentation Night 2025

This annual event was held this year at the Churchill Football Netball Clubrooms in Gaskin Park. Brigade members and representatives from other local brigades were present.

Steve Barling, our immediate past Captain, welcomed everyone and set out the program for the night. After a delicious meal, Steve introduced our new Captain Matt Fisher who spoke thanking members for their efforts.

Firstly he thanked partners of members for their support of members who could be called out at any time to respond. There are members he said who work behind the scenes around the station. Darlene and Scott who do the gardening and mowing. Graeme, Jack and Allan for all of the Fire Equipment Maintenance, hose repairs and other jobs. D’Artagnan and Ruth for their Brigades in Schools work in primary and pre-primary schools. Craig King for the smoke alarm check program. Steve Barling and Craig Griffiths are our Group representatives. Jacob for the fire plug maintenance, and Derek who has a part in all of the above. The BBQ crew who serve at Shop Local events, Darlene and Lisa for working as secretaries and dealing with the multitude of emails which come in.

He also thanked Graham and Summer for cooking the meal and the Football Netball Club for hosting the event.

Special thanks to Alanah for organising the dinner and night.

Matt then spoke of the changes which are to happen in CFA and our brigade saying change is hard work. We ask “how do we deal with it”? Matt wants us to accept it and get involved so we go forward positively.

A big change is Steve stepping down as Captain, but we also have new officers coming in to the Brigade Management Team. The fire station is going to be renovated in 2026 to what we consider a good layout for future use. Through our recruitment drive we have eight new members, four of each gender. Some of those have signed up due to our recent acceptance of being asked to participate in a program called Fire Medical Response, which will be implemented after substantial training, around mid 2026.

Matt finished by saying that he was honoured to have been elected Captain. He then raised a toast to CFA.

The brigade awards were then presented.

Brigade awards

Captain Matt Fisher made a special mention of families where children had joined after their parents had been members. He said our awards were a privilege to receive in recognition of service.

Firefighter of the Year and Darren McLean Memorial Trophy (presented by Captain Matt Fisher)
Craig Griffiths

Recognition award (presented by Lt Steve Shankland)
Craig King

Captain’s Trophy (presented by Ex-Captain Steven Barling)
Graeme Renwick

Graeme received the award in recognition for his tireless work undertaking Fire Extinguisher Maintenance and his work on managing hose repairs for all brigades across District 27. Graeme responded and thanked the brigade for the appreciation of the work that is undertaken, but he stressed it was a team effort.

Service medals

Service medals were presented by Merton Group Officer Steven Barling representing CFA District 27 to:

15 year service medal	Mandy Dempsey (absent)
25 year service medal	Craig Griffiths, Ruth Place and Graeme Renwick
30 year service medal	Scott Randall (absent)
35 year service medal	Matt Fisher

Declared Fire Danger Period

The Fire Danger Period for Latrobe City commenced on Monday October 27, 2025. This means that there are no fires permitted in the open air without a written permit, along with most activities with the potential to generate sparks.

While CFA does everything it can, we also look to the community to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires.

Churchill Fire Brigade Captain Matt Fisher said that residents could find information about what is and is not permitted during the Fire Danger Period by visiting cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can or by calling 1800 226 226.

A written permit is required to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation during the Fire Danger Period. This permit may be issued by the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer or the CFA District 27 Office. Please check with your municipality in the first instance.

Lighting a fire in the open without a permit is an offence and can bring a penalty of over $17,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment. Barbeques and fires for cooking and warmth do not require a permit, but must be lit in properly constructed fireplaces (to view complete conditions visit cfa.vic.gov.au/can )

Use of incinerators, chainsaw/lawn mowers, welding/grinding equipment and vehicles that come in contact with vegetation and machinery with an internal combustion/heat engine is permitted provided conditions are followed.

Farmers can find legal guidelines and practical advice at cfa.vic.gov.au/farming – important especially for new farmers, bush block owners or hobby farmers.

A Total Fire Ban declaration means no fires can be lit for the declared district for that day unless there is a specific exemption or special permit issued. This applies irrespective of the Fire Restriction status for a given municipality. Further details at cfa.vic.gov.au/can