Thursday, 11 September 2025

 Nicole WERNER (Warrandyte) (17:21): (1326) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Emergency Services, and the action I seek from the minister is that she upgrade the very out-of-date pumper at Warrandyte CFA. I would like to wish a happy 21st birthday to Warrandyte CFA’s current pumper, but we are not popping any champagne because the equipment that Warrandyte CFA has is woefully out of date. Warrandyte CFA’s current pumper has served them well over the years, but this vehicle was the best option back in 2004, not in 2025. In a high bushfire risk community like Warrandyte, minutes matter, equipment matters and crew safety matters. A modern appliance would lift pumping performance, reliability, communications and interoperability on the ground. As reported, Victoria is gearing up for a hot and dry fire season, so we need the replacement pumper as soon as possible. Our volunteers have done their part for 21 years and beyond, and it is time that the government do theirs. The needs of Warrandyte CFA have been made clear to me by their outstanding captain Will Hodgson and the dedicated members who serve our community so selflessly.

I want to place on record my thanks and my recognition of recent milestones at the Warrandyte CFA, including for Caleb McMillan, Chris Tibb and Mark Wilson, with their 100 call-outs. Peter Noye and John Wright reached 200 call-outs. Scott McMillan reached 400 call-outs. Louise Naus reached 500 ‍call-outs. Tony Leone reached 600 call-outs and recorded the most calls for the year, with 132 ‍calls. Captain Will Hodgson himself reached 1700 call-outs; Aaron Dean, even with a new baby this year in their family, reached 1800 call-outs – really remarkable; and the legendary Shane Murphy reached 1800 call-outs as well. I also acknowledge significant years of service: Glenn Wright with 15 ‍years, Chris Spring with 20 years and both Peter Handoll and Narelle Brown with 25 years. Last but not least, Colin Brown received the Australian Fire Service Medal, and Peter Noye was awarded Warrandyte CFA’s Firefighter of the Year.

I thank all at the Warrandyte CFA for their exceptional service to our community. We are so grateful for the way that you selflessly serve the people of Warrandyte, the way that you selflessly serve our community. It is absolutely magnificent. Thank you to you and your families for everything that you give up – all of the hours in training, every time your family sends you out the door to maybe put you in danger’s way just to be able to protect the lives of those here in Warrandyte but also beyond. We are so grateful, and I look forward to you receiving the much-needed upgrade of your pumper, which you deserve.