Honours for a magnificent seven

SEVEN Heathcote Fire Brigade members were awarded Life Memberships last weekend.

The group have amassed a total of 303 years of service between them.

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan attended a night of celebration to present the awards to the recipients.

Laraine Leask joined the CFA in 1989, serving for 36 years in a number of different roles within the brigade.

Well known for her catering skills, the brigade secretary also assists with the monthly market food van, organising catering events, cleaning and station maintenance.

Merv Hearne has served for 31 years after joining the Wandin Brigade in 1994. He transferred to Heathcote in 2004.

Mr Hearne has a keen interest in the history of the Heathcote brigade and showcases its many achievements through displaying photos, articles, and awards around the station.

In his current role as health and safety coordinator, he provides a vital role toward enhancing preparedness and safety of members, while driving to and from jobs, on the fire ground, and at the station.

Carole Watkins has served in a number of leadership roles since joining the brigade in 1987.

As well as her official leadership roles, Ms Watkins is involved in numerous activities including community engagement, co-ordinating fund-raising activities such as the Good Friday Appeal, providing catering for official events, as well as for firefighters on the fireground.

She has been actively involved in the local school’s programs and her engagement with the community has enhanced the brigade’s profile.

Graeme (Spud) Reid joined the brigade as a junior in 1978, amassing a total of 47 years service. He has been an active operational firefighter since 1983.

Mr Reid was a member of both the juniors and seniors Heathcote Brigade running teams for 24 years, representing the CFA and the Heathcote Brigade at state and national championships.

A member of the CFA Heathcote Fire Brigade since 1988, Fred Miller has served a total of 37 years.

Mr Miller has held a number of leadership roles in the brigade and has attended major incidences across Victoria and NSW.

 

Known as a mentor and role model to junior and less experienced members, he has also managed and overseen the food van at the monthly market since its inception over 20 years ago.

John McGillivray has been an active member of the CFA Heathcote Fire Brigade since 1962, a total of 63 years.

He is a very experienced tanker driver with exceptional knowledge of the local area.

Mr McGillivray is at the station every Sunday morning, participating in training or maintenance and volunteered as a tanker driver for dozens of strike teams over the years in both Victoria and NSW including the 2009 Black Saturday and 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires.

He was also a member of the Heathcote Brigade running team for over 20 years, representing the CFA and the Heathcote Brigade at state and national championships.

Carl Watkins joined Heathcote Fire Brigade at the age of 17 in 1974.

He has served in a number of leadership roles including a total of 26 years as captain.

Highly respected by his fellow brigade members Mr Watkins received a standing ovation from guests at the function.

All seven Life Membership recipients have received multiple awards during their service.

The awards ceremony was organised by brigade member Tracey Regan who said that none of the new life members seeks recognition for their service.

“They are all dedicated members who strive to make a difference in their community,” she said.

Brigade members and guests enjoyed a meal provided by Pizzaria Montana and entertainment from Larsen Young.