The Country Fire Authority’s only indigenous led firefighting crew officially gathered to celebrate the formation of Bunjil Fire Brigade and the extension to their fire station facilities at Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust last Thursday.
CFA chief executive officer Natalie MacDonald joined many members of the CFA, First Nations people, local community members, partner agencies and East Gippsland Shire representatives to mark the special Recognition of Registration and Acknowledgement of Extension to Station event.
Also present were CFA deputy chief officer south east, Trevor Owen, CFA assistant chief fire officer District 11, Daryll Hunter, Bunjil Fire Brigade members Rhonda Thorpe and Charmaine Sellings.
Kurnai woman Charmaine, a leading advocate for the brigade and region for 20 years, was thrilled with the decision that recognises them as an independent brigade.
Charmaine was acknowledged for her tireless efforts and in turn she acknowledged those who came before her in getting the brigade started including Mark Reed, Gavin Hope, Bernie, Bob Bassett and more recently Peter White.
Gunaikurnai Cultural Heritage representative Wayne Hood opened the event with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony before Ms McDonald presented the certificate of registration.
“We are proud to officially recognise the establishment of the Bunjil Fire Brigade and visit their new and improved station in the Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust community,” she said.
“The brigade plays an important role educating other crews right across Victoria about the importance of recognising cultural history and traditional sites.”
The official presentation of registration was followed by a ribbon cutting to acknowledge the station extension, which includes a meeting room, kitchenette, toilet and change room.
Deputy chief officer Owen took the opportunity to present 20-year service awards to Charmaine Sellings, Rhonda Thorpe and Katrina Mullett.
“We are recruiting a number of new volunteers from the local community to join our co-founders and they are making their way through the process now,” Trevor said.
IMAGE: Bunjil Fire Brigade member Charmaine Sellings (centre) pictured with her daughter Lorraine, granddaughter Tarzaiyah, nephew Travis Tregonning and good friend Mark Reeves at the brigade’s gathering to celebrate its official formation and the extension to their fire station facilities at Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust last Thursday. Charmaine also received a 20-year CFA service medal at the ceremony, which was also held during NAIDOC Week.
