MAINDAMPLE CFA Brigade recently saw a changing of the top guard for the coming two years and presentations of long service to many of its members at its bi-annual general meeting.

More than180 combined years of service to the CFA were recognised with Acting Regional 23 Commander Scott Connor and Mansfield Group Officer, Rob Gardiner announcing and presenting the certificates and medals.

Recognised for five years’ service were Jack Metcalfe, Roslyn Fauvel and Chris Fauvel.

Ten-year awards went to Tracey Griffiths, Janet Phipps and Neil Phipps.

A 15-year award was presented to John Warne while Mary Anne Egan and John Egan both received 25-year service medallions.

Adam Layfield was recognised for 30 years’ service and top honours went to James Tehan and Peter Mahoney who had each served the CFA for 35 years respectively.

The election of new office bearers for the coming two-year term was held with Simon Clapham taking over the role of brigade captain, while Vaughan Semler stood down as the current captain but retained the role of 1st Lieutenant.

John Warne was awarded the role of 2nd Lieutenant, 3rd Lieutenant will be held by Chris Fauvel and 4th Lieutenant is now Peter Button.

Secretary position was retained by Roslyn (Ros) Fauvel and Mary Anne Egan was retained as Community Safety Coordinator.

Group Delegates are Vaughan Semler and Simon Clapham and treasurer is Kerrie Heine; communications officer is John Egan.

In his outgoing report as brigade captain, Vaughan Semler thanked all his supporting officers and members over his past two-year term, particularly mentioning Ros Fauvel for her outstanding work as secretary.

He reported that over the past 12 months the brigade had answered 52 call outs with 22 of those over this past summer break.

He also announced that the brigade had recruited eight new members who were all currently undergoing mandatory training.

Reports were then given by each of the Lieutenants on training, safety, amenities, health and safety and community safety – with Mary Anne Egan particularly mentioning the success ‘door knock’ leading into summer which this year was a joint local brigade program involving Bonnie Doon, Merton and Barjarg brigades.

A Mansfield Group report was presented by Mick Jones of Mansfield Brigade with updates and mention to members to all take note of current changes to how local brigades are to operate.

He also announced that a new Ultra-Light vehicle is soon to be delivered to Maindample which will replace the current out-dated slip-on unit.

It was also announced that although Maindample will not be running the popular plant sale this August, Bonnie Doon CFA Brigade has taken on that activity and members of Maindample are welcome to help out and support.