The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath has congratulated Dumbalk CFA for its 75 years of service during recent community celebrations.
Ms Bath who is also the Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Volunteers said CFA volunteers are the heart and soul of our local communities, so it was a delight to attend the event celebrating three quarters of a century for the Dumbalk CFA brigade.
“CFA volunteers play a vital role keeping rural and regional Victorians safe – giving of their own time, they are first responders to a range of emergency situations from surge capacity during bushfires to local domestic fires and car accidents when needed.
“Dumbalk CFA brigade Captain Dallas Campbell leads a highly experienced brigade which actively supports locals as well as many surrounding Gippsland communities.
“Dumbalk CFA is a trusted local organisation with an impressive track record responding to emergencies and we are indebted to their services.”
Ms Bath said Dumbalk CFA’s 75th Anniversary was a fabulous community celebration which showcased everything that is old and new in our volunteer fire service.
“The display of vintage fire trucks, equipment, uniforms, and memorabilia highlighted just how much the Dumbalk brigade has evolved in the past 75 years – it was quite something.
“The firefighting memorabilia on display was impressive and I congratulate all Dumbalk’s CFA volunteers for their wonderful community celebration.”
Ms Bath said she enjoyed catching up volunteers and learning about the role and experience during previous bushfire that devasted Gippsland in 2009 and 2019/2020.
“Speaking with one volunteer Tom Marshman, I learned of his critical role as an aerial spotter directing CFA resources during the devastating Delburn complex fires.
“Without the expertise of volunteers during this bushfire event the impact on the Strzelecki Ranges and the surrounding communities of Mirboo North, Boolarra, Yinnar, and Churchill would undoubtedly have been far greater.
“I congratulate Dumbalk CFA for their ongoing professionalism protecting locals and thank their volunteers for their past and future services.”
