Members Statement: Local Volunteers

Ms SPENCE (Yuroke) — I rise today to acknowledge some terrific volunteers from the Yuroke community. The Craigieburn Victoria State Emergency Service recently hosted their annual presentation night, celebrating their wonderful members. A real highlight of the evening was the announcement that the sixth controller had been appointed, and for the first time it is a female, in Nicole Ashworth. Nicole is a local paramedic and mum, and I am sure she will be an outstanding leader of the unit. Nicole takes over from Martin Ledwich. Martin has provided sensational leadership over his tenure, and I am sure he is looking forward to spending more time with his wife, Kylie, as they travel around Australia in their caravan. Well done, Marty, who was also awarded life membership on the night — a very fitting honour.

The Craigieburn Country Fire Authority (CFA) also hosted their annual presentation night in September. The Craigieburn CFA is an exemplary brigade, with career staff and volunteers working side by side on the fireground and indeed enjoying the awards night together side by side. Highlights included senior station officer Michael Wearne being awarded a 50-year service medal and first lieutenant Chris Gray was awarded a 25-year medal. Congratulations to all of the award winners. Your service is invaluable.

I would also like to acknowledge local community champion Remo ‘Ray’ Ascenzo, who was recently reappointed as the president of the Craigieburn Bowling Club. Ray was instrumental in securing new clubrooms for the club. He has also been an active volunteer in Little Athletics and the cricket and football clubs. I am sure he will once again lead the bowling club with distinction. Well done, Ray.