Tony Smith (Casey, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It was my pleasure yesterday to attend the official opening of the Hillcrest fire station and Yarra Valley group headquarters in Woori Yallock on the Warburton Highway in the electorate of Casey. The Hillcrest brigade was formed some seven years ago when three of the local brigades—Don Valley, Launching Place and Woori Yallock—decided to merge under the motto of 'Three communities, two stations and one brigade'. Yesterday, after seven years of work, we saw the opening of their brand new station and Yarra Valley group headquarters.

I want to pay tribute to Captain Fiona Burns and the team for all the work that they have done in bringing about yesterday's opening and for all the work that they do on behalf of the community. Yesterday, it was also an opportunity to recognise some of their members who have been awarded national medals. I want to make mention of Rick Shaw, 38 years of service; Ken Burrows, 33 years of service; Tim Reid, 29 years of service; and Colin Warne, 26 years of service. Certificates were also presented to other members, including five-year certificates to Beverley Croke, Sue Jack, Pete Jenkin and Paul Livesay; 15-year certificates to Brendan Tierney; and a 10-year medal to Alan Cousins; 20 years to Andrew Smith and John De Boer; 25 years to Colin Warne and Peter Colling. (Time expired)