Aaron Violi (Casey, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for the Digital Economy) Share this | Hansard source

With the summer weather easing and bushfire risk subsiding, now is the time we are able to thank our local fire brigades and volunteer firefighters for all their hard work on the ground in Casey and across the state of Victoria. The summer season saw many crews from my community tasked to assist brigades in fighting fires in Longwood, Walwa, Harcourt and other areas while also protecting our local area. Without our volunteer firefighters, summer may have looked vastly different. So thank you to each and every single firefighter who volunteered across Casey for your continued dedication to protecting our community.

Our local fire brigades are an integral part of our community. Without support, they cannot continue to protect us. Over the weekend the Gruyere Fire Brigade held their annual beef-on-a-spit fundraiser event, which is a favourite amongst the community. This year didn't disappoint, with another great turnout despite the cold weather. The event is more than just a fundraiser. It's a night where we come together with family and friends to share good food and help support one of our local brigades. Well done to the Gruyere Fire Brigade for another successful beef-on-a-spit night. Thank you for all the hard work you do protecting and serving our community.

Another two important events occurred in our community over the weekend. The Belgrave South Fire Brigade and the Selby Fire Brigade celebrated 100 years; they were established after terrible bushfires in 1926. It was a privilege to be in attendance for Selby Fire Brigade's centenary celebration on Saturday night. It's an incredible milestone and one that highlights the ongoing dedication of the volunteer firefighters and the ongoing support of their families and the wider community. The celebration was a night filled with laughter, stories of times gone by, reflection and remembrance of the hard work and commitment of all the Selby Fire Brigade volunteers to protecting our community over the last century. It was wonderful to speak to past and present members and their families, and to view the incredible display of memorabilia of the last 100 years of service to the community across the Dandenong Ranges. From photos to uniforms to equipment and medals, each piece and document told a story that made up the last 100 years of the Selby Fire Brigade. It was a privilege to share in and help preserve the history of one of our local brigades, and it was an honour to be involved in the celebration of the centenary of the Selby Fire Brigade. Thank you to all those brigade members for the ongoing dedication that each and every firefighter has to protecting the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, the Yarra Valley, our wider community across Casey, all of Victoria and, when needed, any community across Australia that needs help. Thank you to our CFA. You are there when we need you the most. (Time expired)

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