Wallington CFA veteran Gerry Neyenuis recently added another life membership to his growing list of honours, but he admits receiving this one brought a tear to his eye.
Gerry, 72, was recently made a Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) life member, to match his CFA, District 7 championship committee and brigade honours.
The recognition was particularly meaningful for Gerry, reflecting not only his lifelong commitment to CFA but also, through the VFBV, a lifelong commitment to looking after other volunteers and providing leadership and support to them, come what may.
The presentation of his VFBV plaque during the state championships in Bendigo was an emotional moment. “That was more meaningful than anything else,” he said. “It was in front of a crowd I’ve been looking after for 10 years as chairman of the championship committee so that was a real buzz. It was hard to hold back a tear.”
Gerry joined CFA in 1966, initially with Gruyere near Coldstream, then Hampton Park, and in 1976 he moved to Ocean Grove and joined the Wallington brigade on the Bellarine Peninsula.
“When I started, I lived out in the country and in those days most people in the country got involved with the fire brigade,” he said.
“It was just a form of helping out your neighbours.”
Gerry has been an active representative of volunteer brigades through his roles at VFBV for more than 40 years. He’s a former board member and a State Councillor for VFBV, representing volunteer brigades across his District.
There have been significant changes over the intervening decades. “The commitment wasn’t as big in the early days; there’s a lot more involved with being a firefighter today and it’s a much safer service. Our minimum skills are all about safety.”
Gerry has also had various lieutenant roles with CFA and was captain of the Wallington brigade for 12 years, and deputy group officer. He also volunteered for six years as deputy delegate to the central council of the former volunteer brigade Rural Association, and was chairman of the state championship committee.
Gerry’s wife Maria was communications officer for 12 years while he was captain, his sons - twins Greg and Michael, 49, have been members since they were youngsters and Greg's three children Bianca, 21, and twins Eliza and Caleb, 17, are also involved.
Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) CEO Adam Barnett praised Gerry's contribution and commitment over the years adding; "It may be volunteer week, but we also need to thank and recognise the families, friends and the employers of CFA volunteers. Their support and cooperation make a world of difference to our firefighters and what they do for our communities.”
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This article is part of our National Volunteer Week Showcase - celebrating our wonderful CFA Volunteers. |
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About VFBV: VFBV is established under the Country Fire Authority Act and is the peak body for CFA Volunteers in Victoria. VFBV works tirelessly to represent, advocate and support CFA volunteers to the CFA Board and management, governments, ministers, members of parliament, councils, instrumentalities, business and the public. Our vision is for Strong Volunteerism, Embraced to Build Community Resilience for a Safer Victoria. |
