Country Fire Authority Trentham brigade
Mary-Anne THOMAS (Macedon – Leader of the House, Minister for Health, Minister for Ambulance Services) (09:42): Speaker, I rise to commend the remarkable courage and dedication of Trentham CFA volunteers, Captain David Wheeldon, Pat Sutton and Ethan Brown, who were recently awarded the distinguished unit citation for courage in recognition of their extraordinary actions during the terrible storm of June 2021, a storm that we will never forget. When violent winds exceeding 160 k’s tore through central Victoria on that night of June 9, the Trentham community was left devastated: multiple roads were blocked, hundreds of trees were down and power and water supplies cut off. Amid these dangerous and chaotic conditions, David, Pat and Ethan received an urgent call for help from a woman who was stranded in critical need of oxygen. With roads impassable, they set out on foot, cutting their way through fallen trees and using their local knowledge to reach the woman via back roads and paddocks, delivering oxygen and along the way discovering several more people trapped in vehicles. They ensured the safety of a significant number of people, relocating them to shelter and providing essential supplies, all while working under falling trees and worsening weather. Their bravery and quick thinking saved lives on that night. I thank and honour David, Pat and Ethan and all first responders on that night for their extraordinary service. You are the heart of our community and the very definition of courage and community service.