Grose Vale Rural Fire Brigade Celebrates 75 Years

There was a huge party at Grose Vale Rural Fire Brigade on Saturday, November 12 as past and present members, families and friends came together to celebrate 75 years as a brigade.

Current Captain, Wayne Dillon said it was a great night and that the brigade was a very valuable community organisation.

“We’ve had a lot to do with the flood cleanups,” Captain Dillon said. “It’s protection for the community.

“It’s not only when there’s a bushfire, we also do hazard reduction - preventative fire fighting as well.

“My personal view is if I live in the area I should get involved in helping out where I can as well.

“We’re always looking for volunteers.

“It seems we’re not attracting the numbers of volunteers that we have done in the past.

“We still have a strong team, a very good bunch of volunteers.”

Affectionately known as Chippa because of his penchant for the line, “You’re a good chippa aren’t ya?”, Robert Turner was awarded with his fourth clasp for 50 years of service to the brigade.

“He’s been around for a long time and he’s been an active member,” Captain Dillon said.

“He’s always involved.

“If we had more like Robert, as committed as Robert, we’d be laughing.”

Captain Dillon made special mention of another long-term member, Ken Truitt whose father, Wally was a founding member of the Grose Vale Rural Fire Brigade.

He also paid tribute to the late Sue Owens, who passed away last year after serving as the Grose Vale Rural Fire Brigade’s secretary for 40 years.

Members from the brigade are currently away helping with the floods in Forbes and Bathurst.

These firies cast their nets as wide as they can possibly reach in order to help protect their fellow Aussies.

Special thanks were expressed to Superintendent Karen Hodges and Inspector Tim Seary who attended on the night.

The brigade also thanked everyone who made the night such a success:

• Lyvern Slender;
• Popple Lane;
• Feeding Frenze Catering;
• Distinctive Image;
• Gormos Castles NSW;
• Divinia Jean Music;
• Goose on the Loose;
• Bakers Delight Marketplace; and
• Hillbilly Cider.

• Topics:

• Community Groups
• Bush Fires