Tuesday, 31 October 2023

Country Fire Authority Mernda brigade

Lauren KATHAGE (Yan Yean) (13:50): I was honoured to be invited by captain Steve Dusting to the Mernda CFA’s 50th anniversary dinner and awards on Saturday night. That room was full of people who are our neighbours – they are tradies or they have got a shop – yet they are also the heroes of our community who are protecting us at the times that we need it. There were some fabulous reflections on the change that there has been in the community since Mernda CFA was founded. They started in a tin shed next to the mechanics institute, but now there they are on Schotters Road in their fabulous fit-for-purpose facility.

The Mernda CFA crews are notable in our community for their open days and the way that they welcome community members and children, including mine, to come and sit in the trucks and have a go. It is a very inclusive space, and I think that is why at the awards dinner there was one long table full – absolutely full – of new young volunteers. I thank the Mernda CFA for all that they have contributed to our community, and I congratulate them on their culture, which continues to attract people who also will go on to be absolute heroes in our community. To captain Steven Dusting and to all that were there, I thank you very much for having me, and I look forward to 50 more years of the Mernda CFA.