Thursday, 12 May 2022

Country Fire Authority Lilydale brigade

Ms VALLENCE (Evelyn) (10:00): It was a privilege to attend the Lilydale CFA fire brigade’s annual dinner recently. The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the brigade’s pumper being named in honour of Frank Whelan OAM, former brigade captain and current president of Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) district 13. Frank has proudly dedicated 60 years of his life to our community as a volunteer firefighter, including 30 years as captain of Lilydale CFA. It was the first time in the brigade’s history that one of the trucks was being named after a member, and it was wonderful to see so many of Frank’s family in attendance to share the occasion with him—a fitting tribute to an outstanding volunteer firefighter and a highly respected community member.

Also I wish to pay tribute to Val Oliver, who received her medal for 60 years of service to the brigade’s auxiliary; Ron Haines AFSM, who was recognised as Firefighter of the Year; Trevor Dean, who was bestowed with life membership of the Lilydale fire brigade; and my dear friend Gwen Corbett, who I was honoured to present with the inaugural Frank and Anne Whelan Community Award. Gwen also received the VFBV Gold Star award.

Many brigade members received years-of-service medals on the evening. I congratulate them all and pay tribute to and thank captain Warren Davis and all of the Lilydale fire brigade volunteers, who for 365 days of the year put their lives on the line to keep our community safe. They are our true local heroes.