A weekend full of community celebrations was a fitting tribute to the Willaura Fire Brigade’s centenary of fire fighting services.
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More than 150 people filled the Willaura Memorial Hall on Saturday for the commemorative dinner.
Ararat Rural City Councillor Peter Beales said much had changed since horseback call outs and beaters, but the volunteers’ commitment persisted.
Fifty brigade members received Service Awards, including Les Bright who has been an active CFA member for 70 years.
Mr Bright joined the Mount Lonarch brigade at 13, when he left school to return to the family farm. He moved across to Willaura in 1978. His late wife Lil also helped in community emergency responses, including by helping with the catering.
The 85-year-old is still involved, and has a tank on the back of his utility to help with roadside burn-offs.
“While I can still do it and they want me, I’ll continue,” Mr Bright said.
Westmere Group officer John Chapman said Willaura was the oldest and largest brigade in the Westmere Group and its members had played an important role in developing radio communications within the CFA.
A book about Willaura fire services history, From Buckets to Brigades, and the DVD Fire Yarns, which features an oral recording of long-time members, were also launched at the dinner.
On Sunday, a station open day, vintage and modern fire truck display, running team demonstration and barbecue attracted a big crowd. Horsham’s Ray Carman and fellow enthusiasts brought a collection of vehicles that dated back to an 1839 Shand-Mason horse-drawn 20-man pumper. They were lined up with Willaura’s current tankers and private units from throughout the district.
President and former captain Richard Laidlaw said community members of all ages enjoyed the chance to celebrate their much valued Brigade and see its history laid out before them.
A group of volunteers started planning the celebrations last August. They thanked the many community members who had contributed, as well as CFA District 16 administration support officer Melissa Kennedy.