Jancourt celebrates new station

Bob Barry, CFA Barwon South West Regional Director, warmly welcomed all community members, Jancourt Fire Brigade members, CFA personnel and the Red Hill Hall Committee members to the opening of the $220,000 station, funded through the State Government’s Replacement of Rural Fire Stations Program – Stage 2, 2011-2012.

The building, which encompasses a double bay motor room, toilet and kitchenette facilities, is a vast improvement to the old Jancourt Fire Station, which was a basic one bay shed. The new station will improve the safety and service of the Jancourt Fire Brigade and will provide members with a more enjoyable and modern base from which to work.

CFA Board Member, Robert Spencer, reiterated Bob Barry’s welcome, and made special mention to local members, Jack and Margaret Finlayson, for the provision of land that the old fire station was situated on, as well as recognising the Red Hill Hall Committee for the provision of land that the current station is situated.

With the assistance of Arthur Matheson, a member of the Jancourt Brigade for almost 65 years and an original office bearer when the brigade was formed in 1947, Robert unveiled the plaque, announcing the Jancourt Fire Station officially opened.

Arthur was praised for his dedication and loyalty to the CFA and the Jancourt brigade, and was generously thanked for his contribution to the local community. As Bob Barry said, when people worked for an organisation for more than 30 years, they were often given a gold watch as thanks. Arthur, and many others within the brigade have served well beyond 30 years as volunteers, and the recognition we can provide is never enough for what these people have given to CFA.

In keeping with the spirit of thanks, Nigel Parsons, CFA District 6 Operations Manager, presented several members with CFA service medals. Of the six medals presented on the day, the total number of years served was 285.

James Donald was recognised for 40 years of service, Neville Bond for 45 years and Jack Finlayson, Mervyn Holloway, Les Sumner and Frank Whiteside all for 50 years of service.

This has been a highly commendable achievement for all people concerned. A special thanks was made to Les Sumner, the brigade secretary for 43 years, for the contributions he has made to the Jancourt Fire Brigade.

Following the medal presentations, Les gave thanks to all who attended the opening on behalf of all the fire brigade members, including special thanks to CFA personnel and the Red Cross for cooking the BBQ on the day.

He presented a certificate of thanks to Jack and Margaret Finlayson for the use of the land the brigade’s old station was on, as well as a certificate of thanks to the Red Hill Hall Committee.

The opening day, attended by over 100 people within the Jancourt Brigade and community and neighbouring areas, was a huge success. The BBQ lunch was well prepared, and despite the cold and rainy weather, everyone enjoyed the day.

*Article by Jenna McMeel