Tuesday, 15 October 2019

 Ms LOVELL (Northern Victoria) (13:47): It gave me great pleasure last weekend to attend the annual Tatura CFA presentation night held at the Tatura fire station to celebrate the wonderful service provided to the Tatura community by dedicated volunteers. Five members of the brigade—Trevor Franklin, Alan Tyson, Darren Rennie, Peter Fiddes and Colin Magnay—were awarded national emergency medals recognising their services during the horrendous Black Saturday bushfires. Alan delivered an emotional speech recalling his experience on that dreadful day. I pay tribute to these fine men and congratulate them all on their awards.

Life memberships and various career service awards were presented to many members throughout the evening. Jeff Alexander received a 45-year service award, which includes life membership of the CFA, and Peter Bevan received a 30-year service award, which also includes life membership of the CFA. Both Greg Maher and Trevor Franklin received life memberships of the Tatura brigade, and I congratulate all four on this wonderful acknowledgement. Other service award winners on the night were Darren Rennie for 15 years service and Hayley, Matthew and Tom Rennie, Giuliano Meola, Phil Serra and Grady Tyson, who received five-year service awards. There was also acknowledgement of the wonderful work of Sandy Witham from the ladies auxiliary, who received a 25-year service award.

The Tatura CFA epitomises the dedication of our fire brigades all around Victoria and the hard work performed by them. I would like to congratulate all recipients of awards and thank members of the Tatura fire brigade for the work they do to protect our community.