Six members of the Nulla Vale Fire Brigade with a combined service of 335 years have been recognised for their contribution to the CFA and their local community.
Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino today visited the Nulla Vale Fire Station to award them CFA Life Membership Medals and Volunteer Fire Brigade Victoria Life Member Jewels for their invaluable contribution.
Veteran firefighter Noel Rainey has clocked up 70 years of service with the CFA, holding positions as Brigade Captain and First Lieutenant for over three of those decades.
Firefighting runs in the family, with Noel’s wife, son and daughter all active members of the Nulla Vale Brigade.
Denis Connors and Don Paterson received 50 year service medals, with Denis still an active CFA member after more than 52 years.
Walter Connors, Michael Walsh and Colin Paterson all received 55 year service medals, with Colin Paterson still serving as the current Treasurer after almost 58 years of service.
Mr Merlino thanked the six honourees for playing an integral role in their community, fighting grass fires, bushfires, attending motor vehicles accidents, and supporting neighbouring brigades in the Mitchell Shire.
Nulla Vale’s population of 107 people is well serviced by its 59-member brigade, who attended 19 incidents over the last 12 months.
As part of today’s celebrations, Mr Merlino also officially opened the Nulla Vale Brigade’s new $15,000 storage shed.
The Andrews Labor Government provided $10,000 for the shed through the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program, with the brigade also contributing $5000 from fundraising efforts and donations from local community groups.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino
“Nulla Vale Brigade’s volunteer members are the backbone of their small community.”
“I thank all of the volunteers for their service and dedication to their community, especially the six members receiving long service awards today for an outstanding 335 years of combined service.”
"We are proud to support the Nulla Vale Fire Brigade with funding for its new shed to safely store the brigade’s trailer and equipment.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020