Nomination for the award was based on the Brigade’s intensive planning for a weekend of celebrations to mark its 100th year of operation in Bacchus Marsh and surrounds and for the events in May 2011 which did the town proud.
Celebrations began with a huge torchlight parade on Friday 13 May which involved members of over 30 of Victoria’s brigades. A civic reception for CFA members and dignitaries followed. The reception also saw the launch of the Bacchus Marsh brigade’s history book.
An open day was held the next day for local people to tour the station, be inspired by a display of photographs and historic equipment, and to meet individual volunteers.
Another significant event was the burying of a time capsule on Sunday at a reunion for current and past members. The capsule contains representations of life as a fire fighter and is also symbolic of the ongoing health and operations of the brigade, with plans to reopen the capsule in 50 years.
All these things were valued by the local community evident by the crowds who lined the streets on the Friday night and who attended the open day. The Community Event of the Year Award was presented by Mayor Pat Griffin to brigade Captain Nathan Ractliffe and Executive Manager Ian Barnett, with many brigade members present at the ceremony.
Australia Day celebrations did not end there, with members adjourning to the station in Bacchus Marsh for a barbecue and the presentation of CFA Life Memberships. Awardees were Michael Tudball, Chris Eggleston, Ray Cook and Ian Barnett who have not only notched up 30 years service each to the CFA, but have done so undertaking a variety of positions, including leadership, mentoring and operational roles.
Story by Sarah Long - Bacchus Marsh Fire Brigade.
Pictures by Blair Dellemijn - CFA Strategic Communications.
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