EDFL Board member Ian Price, EDFL CEO Andrew Johnson, Cann Valley 1st LT Frank Herbert, Mirboo North firefighter Allan Schafer, Heyfield 3rd LT Dean Wheeler, Erica & District Captain Russ Wright, EDFL Board Chair Bernie Shinners
Four South East CFA brigades have been rewarded for their service in the Black Summer fires, following a generous donation from the Essendon and District Football League (EDFL).
A large $20,000 donation has been divided between the Erica & District, Heyfield, Cann Valley and Mirboo North Fire Brigade's for their direct support in the 2019/20 fire season.
Having played a large role in assisting their communities while neighbouring brigades were responding and deployed on strike teams, the four brigades were deemed worthy recipients.
CFA Acting Assistant Chief Officer District 10 Simon Bloink alongside District Business Manager Amanda Rigoni welcomed the generous donors from the EDFL to a small morning tea at Heyfield Fire Station on Thursday, 27 June.
Mirboo North firefighter Allan Schafer said the brigade is incredibly thankful for the league's kindness and feel extremely special that the sentiment remains strong years after the event.
"We're hoping to put the money towards equipment and items at the fire station. It will be of such help, "Allan said.
"I like the idea of having a small circular brass plaque on one of the items that we buy so people will be aware in the future where the money has come from and how grateful we are."
Funds were raised off the back of an initiative put forward by Roxburgh Park Football Club Coach Michael Farrelly, who suggested an All Stars match for the league should take place toto raise money for Black Summer affected community organisations.
The February 16, 2020 match saw funds generated through entry fees of a well-attended game, merchandise, food and beverages. The event was also to become even more a momentous occasion as it was the only league game played that year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cann Valley 1st Lieutenant Frank Herbert said due to their location at the far end of Gippsland and a small population, any help and support they get is greatly appreciated.
"While we haven't firmed our plans yet, we do hope to use the money to buy more equipment, specifically a fixed monitor to distribute more water," Frank said.
"We had a major fire in the centre of town a couple of months ago that took out our main café restaurant, and if we didn't have our neighbouring brigades assisting during that we would've struggled to pump enough water on the job. It would go to great use."
Representatives from the EDFL, including Board Chair Bernie Shinners, CEO Andrew Johnson and Board Member Ian Price were pleased they got to meet volunteers from the four brigades to deliver them the individual cheques.
"Having the opportunity to meet and hear from the EDFL men really made me realise there are some great people out there, particularly in the city who do recognise what people in the country do and recognise that from time to time we do it tough," Frank said.
