Eaton-Australind Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service celebrates 50 years of service to local communities

A South West emergency services group has been recognised for its contributions to the safety of two communities.

The Eaton-Australind Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service celebrated its achievements on the weekend as it marks 50 years of operation.

EAVRS captain Matthew Stoltenbarg said it was a proud moment for the organisation.

“Celebrating 50 years of volunteer service is just amazing, to still be part of it and to have that proud tradition,” he said.

“It hasn’t changed a lot. Operationally we have but the feeling, the comradery, remains unchanged.”

The Eaton-Australind Fire Brigade, as it was originally known, was founded on April 21, 1972 after years of debate within the local community.

The station started off as a tin shed behind the Eaton Hall, which no toilets, showers or running water. The unit was relatively unequipped apart from its red International single cab fire appliance, relying on rakes, knapsack sprays and wet bags as its apparatus.

In its first year, the brigade attended 16 call-outs compared to 150 last year.

In 1986 the brigade moved to its present Hamilton Road premises, which serves as a second home for 37 volunteers.

Upgrades to the building were completed this year, including a new tunic room, bathroom facilities, enhanced breathing apparatus cleaning facilities, and other amenities.

A total of 20 life memberships have been awarded over the last five decades, with about half of the recipients still actively serving.

A function was held at the Quality Hotel Lighthouse on Saturday night to mark the occasion, with a number of unit members awarded accolades for their service.

Laurence Hynes was awarded the Fourth Clasp National Medal for his 59 years of service as an emergency services volunteer, including 36 of those with the Eaton-Australind unit.

Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said it was important to recognise all the dedicated volunteers at the station over the last 50 years.

“Our volunteers should be acknowledged and supported by the wider community for the incredible job they do, and this anniversary is the perfect opportunity to celebrate,” he said.