Hurstbridge awards dedicated vols

The service and national medals were presented to brigade members at the event held at Bridges Restaurant in Hurstbridge on Saturday night.

“The night went really well,” Hurstbridge Fire Brigade Captain Darren King said.

“Although some award recipients were unable to attend the dinner, there was about 345 years of service between them.

“In the last three years alone we have handed out awards for over 1000 years’ service which is fantastic.”

Darren said although the brigade had strong support, it was always looking for new members.

He said the work of the brigade extended well beyond the task of fighting fires.

“We've got a busy couple of months coming up with a number of meetings and information sessions planned to help the local community plan for the upcoming fire season,” Darren said.

This includes Fire Ready Victoria meetings planed for Thursday, 10 November at 7.30pm at Hurstbridge Fire Brigade and; Wednesday, 16 November at 7.30pm on the corner of Anzac Avenue and Taylors Road.

Hurstbridge Fire Brigade, located at 1011 Main St, Hurstbridge, will also host an open day on Sunday, 20 November from 10.00am to 2.00pm. This will include a free sausage sizzle and children will be able to have their photo taken on a fire truck.

“All of these events are a great opportunity for residents to meet their local brigade and to get first-hand, local information about bushfire preparedness,” Darren said.

Across two days next month, Hurstbridge volunteers will also visit 20 classes at the local primary school as part of the FireSafe Kids program.

For more information about CFA programs and fire safety, go to www.cfa.vic.gov.au