Six decades of commitment and service

JOHN McGillivray has been a CFA Heathcote Fire Brigade member for more than sixty years.

He joined the brigade on 22 December 1962.

The treasured and highly respected brigade member is a role model for his fellow volunteers and has received numerous awards recognising his contributions to the CFA.

In 2017 he was awarded the National Medal including the 1st, 2nd and 3rd clasps.

He was the recipient of two National Emergency Medals for his contributions during the 2009 and 2019-2020 bushfires.

In 2022 Mr McGillivray received his 60-year service medal commemorating 60 years of continuous service with the CFA.

He has also received all associated medals, clasps and badges for previous milestone years and is a life member of the Heathcote Fire Brigade.

In 2007, he was honoured as part of the Australia Day Awards with a McIvor Community Award from the City of Greater Bendigo for many years of outstanding service to the Heathcote and District community, representing in part, his CFA service along with his other contributions to the community service.

In 2008, he was again recognised by the City of Greater Bendigo for over 35 years of service to local government and the Greater Bendigo area.

For most of his time with the brigade, Mr McGillivray has been a general fire fighter but has also been brigade foreman and 4th Lieutenant.

Mr McGillivray said he enjoys the friendship, not only in the Heathcote brigade but also when called to duties further afield and interstate.

“I found the same response from interstate people as we do here,” he said.

“You are not judged by anyone; everyone does their best to achieve a common goal.”

Mr McGillivray said Black Saturday had a huge impact on him.

“But every call could have a life changing experience especially MVAs where people and children are involved,” he said.

“I am always glad to see a good outcome for everyone involved.

“There have been a multitude of highlights during my time with CFA.

“Everybody’s assets that we save gives a satisfactory feeling for the crew and members; a job well done.

“I enjoyed over 20 years in the competition team, three trips interstate, once to Tasmania one, twice to WA and I’ve never missed a state championship or the numerous regional events.”

Over the years, Mr McGillivray said he has learnt a number of lessons.

“I have found if you need a task done ask the person if they would do it; never chastise a volunteer in any capacity or you might find doing everything yourself,” he said.

“It’s a great organisation to be in and I enjoy the fellowship and the journey that goes with it.”

As well as volunteering with the fire brigade, Mr McGillivray is active in several other organisations and says he rarely has any spare time.

“From 16 years old I was in the Heathcote full bore 3.0.3. rifle club,” he said.

“I was with Heathcote Football club for 10 years and Heathcote cricket club for 13 years.

“I’ve been a member of Heathcote Gold Club for 52 years and counting and Heathcote Bowling club for 48 years and counting.”

Volunteers are always needed at Heathcote Fire Brigade.

Anyone interested in joining can contact community safety coordinator Evan Pritchard on 0417 178 658.