BRIGADE NEWS
CFA volunteers were recognised with a standing ovation and rousing applause at Rod Laver Arena in mid-January at a sold-out special event to raise money for the Victorian Bushfire Disaster Appeal. Tennis stars including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, Nick Kyrgios, Caroline Wozniacki and Stefanos Tsitsipas took to the court for an exhibition match as part of the Australian Open Rally for Relief. A group of 30 volunteers represented CFA at the event as guests of Tennis Australia in appreciation of the efforts of all volunteers battling the devastating fires in east and north-east Victoria. Joined by world number three Grigor Dimitrov in their own VIP section of the stadium, volunteers were given the opportunity to watch an incredible night of tennis and entertainment as well as meet some of the stars of the sport. Stuart Mill Fire Brigade volunteer Deb Borg (a regular player at her local tennis club) received an extra surprise. She was called out of the crowd to play a few points on centre court alongside her hero Rafael Nadal – see photo. The pair swapped hugs and high fives as they rallied with superstars Alexander Zverev and Caroline Wozniacki in a game of Fast4 mixed doubles. “I was given the chance to sit courtside,” Deb said, “and one of the organisers asked us if anyone played tennis. I put my hand up and agreed to go on court.” Wheelchair champion and disability advocate Dylan Alcott, who was the MC for the event, asked Deb who her favourite player on court was. She replied Rafael Nadal. Asked if she’d like to partner him Deb said, “Yes please, of course. “Raffa was serving and I was at the net and our opponents put up juicy balls for me to hit. “Raffa was lovely and gave me a lot of encouragement saying, ‘come on Deb we can do this’ and ‘good shot’. We mingled with all the players at the end. They were all lovely. It was a special evening, that’s for sure.” Tyers Fire Brigade First Lieutenant Ross Wisewould, who attended the event, said the recognition shown to CFA people for
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF HERALD SUN
Stars turn out for fundraiser
their services and the services of all firefighters Australia-wide was overwhelming. “Our members, like all CFA members, do what they do because they want to make a difference and are proud to pull on their uniform and give everything to protect lives and property,” Ross said. “We thank everybody at Tennis Australia and all those involved in the Australian Open Rally for Relief for the opportunity to attend and commend the efforts of the players and the public for the amazing donations that have been made. “We cannot wait to see what a difference this will make to those communities who’ve been affected by fire.” The event raised more than $4.8 million for the appeal. STORY SHAUNNAGH O’LOUGHLIN
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