A RECENT community open day at the Dunkeld Emergency Services Complex celebrated a major milestone for the Dunkeld Fire Brigade, with the official handover of three new fire-fighting vehicles and presentation of long service awards, including three life memberships.

The Dunkeld Brigade received three new vehicles at the same time, with the purchase of two of them made possible due to the Brigade’s fundraising efforts over many years.

As well as the new 4.4 Iveco Country Fire Authority (CFA) tanker, a new 2.4 C Hino (Dunkeld Tanker) is set to replace the 32-year-old Isuzu (known as the Dunkeld Suzi), while a new Toyota Land Cruiser 500 litre ‘slip on’ will replace the existing 15-year-old unit.

A poignant part of the presentation was the dedication of Dunkeld Tanker 2 to the memory of the late CFA and Brigade Life Member Helena Flinn, whose unwavering commitment to the Dunkeld Brigade and Serra Group over 40 years, especially in communications and secretarial duties, is widely recognised across the district.

Her husband Peter, also a Life Member, responded during the presentation and was accompanied by his two sons Derek and Trevor, along with daughter Verona.

The other major highlight was the presentation of Brigade life memberships to three recipients, Frank Raymond, Andy Gordon and former captain, Doug McArthur, who have given a combined total of 150 years of service to the Dunkeld Brigade and the community.

The presentations were a joint effort between captain Robert Funk, Brigade president Edward Blackwell, CFA assistant chief fire officer Kade Dowie, and District 5 commander Rainer Kiessling.

Proceedings were rounded off by a CFA demonstration of fire safety for householders, and a barbeque provided by the Dunkeld and District Lions Club.