Members Statement: Yuroke Electorate Fire Brigades

Ms SPENCE (Yuroke) (13:45:36) — I rise today to inform the house of a wonderful spectacle I had the pleasure of observing on Saturday night. Like so many in my community I watched the 2018 Craigieburn Country Fire Authority (CFA) torchlight procession with much pride. Each year, as part of the Craigieburn Festival, our wonderful men and women in the emergency services proudly march in this procession. It is truly wonderful to see so many members of the community line the streets and cheer the parade on.

The community of Craigieburn is very fortunate to be served by the trifecta of volunteer emergency services: the Craigieburn CFA, the Craigieburn State Emergency Service and the Craigieburn community emergency response team. Of course, these agencies work collegially with their career colleagues, including the career firefighters at the CFA and the wonderful Ambulance Victoria paramedics. Indeed it was great to see the career members marching side by side with their volunteer colleagues. All of the emergency services in Craigieburn provide exemplary service and are models for the rest of Victoria.

I should also note how proud I was to see my other Yuroke brigades represented, with Kalkallo and Greenvale in attendance. They are wonderful brigades, whose service is extremely valued. A special mention to the junior brigades who also participated in this year’s march: the Craigieburn CFA juniors and the Kalkallo CFA juniors. It was great to see the next generation of firefighters represented. Well done to all involved in organising this wonderful march. Your service is outstanding. The torchlight parade topped off a terrific festival. Well done to Hume City Council.