Callignee CFA Service Awards

1. Callignee CFA Service Awards On Saturday 25th May 2013, Callignee CFA held a celebratory Dinner Dance recognising 70 years of service to the Community. The dinner and presentation was attended by over 60 people, past and present members. Peter Lockwood, CFA Operations Officer at Traralgon presented Fire service awards to 24 recipients. These awards totalled 420 years of volunteer service to the Community. Callignee CFA was formed by local residents, which at that time were mostly farmers, and registered by the Country Fire Authority on the 25th May 1943. Initially equipment was supplied by fund raising and local initiatives. Water tanks and pumps were placed strategically around the district. The first Fire Shed was supplied by the CFA in kit form and required assembly by members as was the concrete floor, the shed was later extended to allow more storage.

2. Callignee CFA Service Awards There have been many serious bushfires in the district over the years especially 1944, 1977, 2002, and of course 2009 Black Saturday. During Black Saturday 17 of the 32 Brigade members suffered significant losses, 11 homes, sheds and equipment, fencing and livestock. The fire shed was also destroyed. The Brigade has been involved in Strike Teams at other fires and emergencies; most recently some members have been to Tasmania, to assist with the reconstruction after the January fires there. Since 2009 a new 2 bay Fire Station has been constructed and equipped with a new Slip-on 4WD vehicle and state of the art equipment. This new station and equipment was funded by Government, private Industry and private Donors. The Brigade continues to protect the Community, with a dedicated, keen band of members, but of course, is always looking for new members. The Brigade has come a long way since it’s early beginning and continues to be a vital part of the Community

3. Callignee CFA 70th Anniversary Service Awards Back row: Ian Ewart 45, Paul Noble 20, Bob Allen 20, Ken Taylor 15, Terry Algie 35, Tim Tulloch 5, Gavin Algie 20. 420 Years of Community Service 25th May 2013 Front Row: Jim Bell 30, John Szabo 30, Graham Bolton 5, Glenn Pratt 25, Lee Bastin 15, Greg Flack 10, Dallas Bye 10, Tony Bastin 35, Peter Thomson 10 Other recipients: Bernie Cropper 5, Wendy Flack 5, Ian Gilroy–Scott 15, Julie Hextall 10, Kurt Loeckenhoff 10, Bernie McKay 25, Frank Mamaj 10, RobyneProfitt 10

4. Callignee CFA Service Awards The CFA Service Award is presented by the Country Fire Authority of Victoria and represents years of service to the Authority. Criteria Certificate: For an aggregate efficient service of no less than five years Medal: For an aggregate efficient service of no less than 10 years in any one or more fire brigades/work locations. A clasp may be added for each subsequent five (5) years efficient service from 15 to 70 years. The award consists of a circular medal with the Country Fire Authority emblem contained within a rim and a scroll carrying the words Service Award or (Life Member) The emblem is superimposed on the Fire Star, which is based on the eight pointed Cross of St John. Each point of the star separately represents the virtues of Dexterity, Explicitness, Gallantry, Loyalty, Observation, Perseverance, Sympathy and Tact.

5. Callignee CFA Service Awards Since these virtues were considered to represent the qualities of a fire fighter, the star was chosen for the insignia of many fire services including the Country Fire Authority. This medal is suspended by a bar carrying the Coat of Arms of the State of Victoria attached to a ribbon of red and white squares symbolizing the CFA Logo. On the reverse side of the medal are the words: In recognition of service to the Country Fire Authority Victoria The eight pointed star is the Cross of St John. It originated in the Maltese Cross the emblem of the Knights of Malta, and was used by the Knights of St John of Jerusalem at the time of the Crusades which took place between the years of 1095 and 1270.

6. Callignee CFA Service Awards