Thursday, 4 June 2026

 Bridget VALLENCE (Evelyn) (10:00): It was fantastic to join Lilydale CFA fire brigade for their annual awards dinner recently, celebrating the achievements of volunteer firefighters and the auxiliary. I want to pay tribute to a few Lilydale CFA volunteer firefighters in particular. Congratulations to Michael Sartori for being bestowed CFA life membership. Michael Sartori is an exceptional firefighter, and for more than four decades he has demonstrated his dedication to our community and Victoria in his work and as a volunteer with the Gruyere and Lilydale fire brigades.

Congratulations to Frank Whelan OAM, who truly epitomises the volunteer spirit and is an outstanding person who has given so much to the Lilydale community and the state of Victoria with an inspirational 65 years of service to the CFA. Congratulations to Lilydale fire brigade’s captain Warren Davis and to Kevin Cameron for their amazing 50 years of service to the CFA. Frank, Warren, Kevin and Michael are legends and true heroes, and I am privileged to call them friends. Our community owes a debt of gratitude for the service of these amazing volunteers.