Thursday, 19 February 2026

 Bridget VALLENCE (Evelyn) (09:50): I wish to pay tribute to Gruyere CFA fire brigade members for their exceptional and longstanding service to our community and Victoria as volunteer firefighters. Congratulations Andrea Bigham and Matt Sartori for 40 years of dedicated service as CFA firefighters and being bestowed CFA life membership medals. Andrea Bigham has held many brigade roles, including secretary, first lieutenant and Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria delegate and is currently Yarra Valley group second deputy group officer and group community safety coordinator. Andrea is an awesome human being, and her commitment to community and road safety especially is second to none. Matt Sartori has held many roles with Gruyere CFA, including first lieutenant, crew leader and strike team leader. Most notably, Matt Sartori was the captain of Gruyere CFA fire brigade for an amazing 18 years, showing strong leadership and tenacity and ensuring the brigade’s growth and development, for which our community is grateful. Congratulations Peter Burgi for an outstanding and inspirational 65 years of service as a CFA volunteer and being bestowed CFA life membership. After starting at Wandin CFA, Peter Burgi was a foundational member of the Gruyere CFA in 1962 and held brigade roles including third lieutenant and VFBV delegate, and he is still an operational firefighter today. Peter has always been and continues to be a strong contributor to our local community, for which we owe a debt of gratitude, selflessly helping others, including me. Congratulations Peter, Andrea and Matt for your dedicated service to the CFA and our community, and thank you for your friendship.