CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Ms ALDRED (Monash—Opposition Whip) (10:12): Our wonderful CFA volunteers in Victoria answer the call in the middle of the night and step away from their work in the middle of the day to protect our community year round. As the daughter of someone who was a CFA volunteer, I know this very well. In a nation of volunteers, there's nothing that epitomises that spirit better than CFA volunteers, and I am so proud to represent many of them in my electorate of Monash.

On Saturday I was privileged to join my state colleague the member for Gippsland South, Leader of the Nationals and shadow state emergency services minister Danny O'Brien at the Leongatha Fire Brigade Awards. It was a great evening and a really good opportunity to recognise the incredible dedication, commitment and professionalism of the brigade's volunteers and all they have achieved year round.

It's not just one incident or accident that they head out to. Year round, they answer the call to car accidents, accidents on farms, gas leaks and a whole variety of things that they step up to assist with. It was really wonderful on the evening to be able to recognise some of the long-term volunteers: Murray Leitch and Scott Wilkinson, who were presented with life memberships along with national medals.

I want to recognise the brigade because for 119 years they have been serving the Leongatha community. It was wonderful to recognise not just the volunteers but also family members, like Janet, who provide great support to these volunteers at home and allow them to do what they do so well. I also want to recognise neighbouring brigades like Berrys Creek, Ruby and many others who turned out in support of their fellow volunteers when they received these awards.

I also want to acknowledge those who have contributed so much but are no longer with us. Leo Bentvelzen was posthumously awarded a life membership and a National Medal. National Medals were presented to Scott Cameron and Scott Hillis, and a third clasp was presented to Ed Browning.

I want to particularly recognise Scott Hillis. Scott is someone who puts a great deal of time, thought and effort year round into educational videos about fire risks, mitigations and how to stay safe at home and elsewhere. I really want to commend the time and thought that he puts into those.

Leigh Foster was recognised for his work on safety and a decade of dedicated service to the brigade and the community, while the Jack Rayson Encouragement Award was given to Brendan Hawkins, recognising his enthusiasm, commitment and promising future within the brigade. Thanks to all these wonderful volunteers and the broader Leongatha community.