Members, past volunteers, families and supporters of the Toorloo Arm Fire Brigade recently gathered at the Sea Shanty in Lakes Entrance for a momentous milestone event to honour one of their most respected figures and former captain, Wayne Johnstone.
The special evening celebrated Mr Johnstone’s 24 years of dedicated service to the CFA and the Toorloo Arm Fire Brigade, recognising a contribution that has left a lasting impact on both local emergency services and the wider community.
Throughout the night, attendees shared heartfelt reflections, stories and memories of Mr Johnstone’s tenure, highlighting his frontline leadership during emergency call-outs, his guidance during training nights and his ongoing mentorship of younger members.
As the centrepiece of the celebrations, Mr Johnstone was officially presented with the Toorloo Arm Fire Brigade Life Membership Medal, the brigade’s highest honour, in recognition of his outstanding commitment and leadership.
The evening also featured a distinct tribute from Mr Johnstone’s civilian workplace. His employer, Steve O’Shea, alongside several colleagues, attended the event to speak warmly of his character and professional work ethic.
Mr O’Shea reflected on his employee’s unwavering reliability, noting that the same qualities that make him an exceptional CFA volunteer — integrity, humility and a constant willingness to help others — are exactly what make him a deeply valued colleague and friend in the workplace.
True to his character, Mr Johnstone accepted the prestigious accolade with immense humility and gratitude, redirecting the praise to his fellow volunteers and the brigade he has proudly called home for more than
two decades.
Toorloo Arm Fire Brigade president Mel Zagami said the presentation was not only a celebration of an individual’s achievements but a reflection of the close-knit culture within the unit.
“More than just a brigade, Toorloo is a family built on respect, friendship, community service, and a willingness to support one another through both good times and difficult times,” Ms Zagami said.
The evening also provided an opportunity to formally credit Mr Johnstone’s partner, Heather, for her own significant and invaluable contributions to the brigade family over many years.
“While Wayne’s life membership recognises his service to date, his influence will continue to be felt for many years to come,” Ms Zagami said.
“The friendships he has built, the knowledge he has shared, the members he has mentored, and the culture he has helped create form a legacy that future generations of Toorloo members will carry forward.”
