Stars turn out for tennis fundraiser

Stars turn out for fundraiser

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

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.

Update to Warrnambool pumper story

In the story on page 64 of the spring 2019 issue of Brigade magazine, we incorrectly stated that Henry Barton had passed away. This should have said Henry’s father Jack. We apologise for this mistake. The 1942 K4 International midship mounted pumper was originally stationed in Doveton, south-east of Melbourne, before being bought in 1971 by Jack Barton, the father of former Warrnambool Officer-in-Charge Henry, and one of his mates. After it was restored, it was used at events such as school fetes. But after a long illness Henry’s father passed away, and the pumper sat rusting in his mate’s back yard in Melbourne until 2003. A small band of members from Warrnambool brigade along with Henry travelled to Wandin to inspect the old pumper left to Henry by his father – and so began a labour of love to restore it again. In the photo Henry is fourth from left with some of the Warrnambool brigade members who restored the truck.

FEM is a great way to fundraise

Turning sausages and rattling tins are seen as the mainstay of fundraising for many of our brigades. But for 262 of the state’s brigades the servicing and supply of fire extinguishers and other equipment is another positive option for their members. Fire equipment maintenance (FEM) earns money for brigades to allow them to fund new vehicles, small and large equipment, brigade extensions and amenity improvements.

But it has other important benefits too, such as the opportunity to interact regularly with the community and be available to answer questions – an enormous advantage when preparing and planning locally for fires and other emergencies. Also, when brigades interact with industry they can provide key fire safety information and training, and gain knowledge of sites and facilities. FEM stretches to every corner of the state and no matter how big or small your town is, you might be surprised at the number of businesses in your area that have a legislative requirement to maintain fire equipment. Fire extinguishers are found everywhere including home offices, workshops, farms, some vehicles, local council and infrastructure installations. The FEM team gives brigades comprehensive training to perform the role to Australian Standards, and handles contracts, data entry and retention. It also offers 24/7 technical support to brigades and their clients. “FEM income has helped us fund our FCV and rescue support units, as well as the other equipment that goes with those vehicles. We try to do these every five years,” Andrew Dalla Via, FEM officer at Epping Fire Brigade said. Any brigade interested in becoming an FEM brigade can contact the Bendigo Client Services Team on 1300 36 36 61 or email fem@cfa.vic.gov.au to find out more about how they can join the growing number of FEM brigades.