Published on Friday, 21 October 2022 at 1:11:14 PM
One of the busiest emergency response crews is being recognised for half a century of service to the community.
Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson commended the Eaton-Australind Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service (VFRS) on reaching such a milestone with its 50th Anniversary.
The brigade was founded by four locals – Eric Clifton, Doug Hough, Reg Fishwick and Don Steward on 21 April, 1972.
The unit has grown to 37 members and become a key element in protecting the community. In the past two years alone, the service had attended 288 incidents and volunteered 1250 hours to the community.
Some of the unit’s key members are to be presented with long service awards at an event this weekend attended by Dardanup Shire President Mick Bennett and CEO André Schönfeldt.
Included will be a Fourth Clasp National Medal to Laurence Hynes, who has been an emergency services volunteer for 59 years – including 36 years with Eaton-Australind VFRS.
Mr Dawson said: “Our volunteers should be acknowledge and supported by the wider community for the incredible job they do and this anniversary is the perfect opportunity to celebrate.
Eaton-Australind VRFS started in a small tin shed without running water or toilets 50 years ago and Cr Bennett said it was testament to the vision of the four founding members that it had grown to become such an important part of the community with a lasting impact.
“The community really appreciates the work those volunteers have done over many years to help keep them safe,” Cr Bennett said.
Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns said the 50th Anniversary was an important occasion for the members and the community to celebrate.
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