Thursday, 14 August 2025

Country Fire Authority Cranbourne brigade

Michael GALEA (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (09:49): Over the weekend I had the great pleasure and privilege of joining the member for Cranbourne in the other place Pauline Richards to attend the 85th anniversary dinner for the Cranbourne fire brigade. It was wonderful to go along with all the members of this wonderful local CFA brigade, along also with the mayor of Casey Stefan Koomen and local federal MP Cassandra Fernando. We were joined by many on the night, including captain of the CFA branch Mitchell Newman, and I would like to thank him in particular for having us come along. It was great also to acknowledge the incredible length of service and achievement of many of the brigade’s volunteers, with service awards being given out to Jarryd Simmons for 15 years of service, Mark Christie for 20 years of service, Ronald Battams for 25 years of service and Adam Russell for 30 years of service. The National Medal was also awarded to Brendan Wilson, and a brigade life membership for 20 years service was given to Mark Christie. The longest standing member at Cranbourne was Robert Lake, and he received an award for 56 years of service to the local brigade, an incredible achievement, which, coupled with the service of his son Anthony Lake, who also serves in the brigade, comes to around 90 years of combined service just for the Cranbourne local community – a remarkable achievement. Congratulations to member of the year, as voted by the brigade membership, Steven Howard, runner-up Lisa Cunynghame and firefighter of the year, as nominated by Mitch the captain, Steven Howard as well. Congratulations to all.