150 years of Echuca CFA

By Adair Winder

Aug 23, 2022

All smiles: Maddison Moylan, Ben and Matilda Green at the Echuca CFA 150-year celebrations. Photo by Steve Huntley

More than 100 past and present Echuca CFA members took a trip down memory lane at the brigade’s 150-year anniversary event on Saturday, August 20.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Chairman of the 150th Celebration Committee, Ron Hooper said the event gave members the opportunity to catch up with old friends and to reminisce with one another.

“We had a slide show that displayed photos of past events, of current and previous members and of the awards we have received over the years,” Mr Hooper said.

“We also had 10-15 photo albums for people to have a flick through and reflect back on.”

Great occasion: Cr Rob Amos with Dominic and Steph Dean. Photo by Steve Huntley

Historical members travelled far and wide for the event, with some travelling all the way from Mansfield, Shepparton and Queensland just to be there.

Along with the 150-year celebration, Echuca CFA will also be publishing a book that documents all of the milestones of the past 20 years, including fundraising accomplishments and awards they have received.

Reminiscing: The crowd on hand at Echuca CFA’s 150-year celebrations. Photo by Steve Huntley

It will also feature photos from interstate firefighting trips, such as the 2019-2020 New South Wales bush fires.

Address: Captain Daniel Moylan speaks to the crowd on hand. Photo by Steve Huntley

The book will come as a follow on from the edition they published in 2002, which collated 130 years of history and members.

Friendship: Henry Atkinson and Norm Childs at the Echuca CFA 150 years celebrations. Photo by Steve Huntley

Mr Hooper said reaching 150 years is an achievement that should be celebrated.

“Everyone at the CFA is a volunteer and they’ve dedicated their time and their energy towards helping others,” he said.

Serving the community: The Echuca CFA held a function to celebrate its 150th anniversary. Photo by Steve Huntley

“It’s important we acknowledge them and give thanks.”

The 2022 edition of the book will be released at the 150th Celebration, Presentation and Awards Dinner on October 8.

Catching up: The Echuca CFA 150-year celebrations drew people from near and far. Photo by Steve Huntley

Following that, the book will be available for purchase through the brigade and will also be available to read from the Echuca Library and the Echuca Historical Society Museum.