Samsonvale Rural Fire Brigade April09
– Extension Opening –
On February 28th 2009 the Samsonvale Rural Fire Brigade hosted an afternoon tea in honour of the re-opening of the Fire shed.
Front Row – Ollie Johnson, Rodney Kunde, Stephen Henderson. Back Row – Ken Gold, Allan Sutherland, Bob Millar, Peter Fogg, Geoff Henderson, Geoff Wilson, Peter Varley, and Gary McCormack, QFRS Officers. The shed was officially opened 15 years ago (two days apart) by Tom Burns MP, but we were given a large Grant from Jupiter’s Gaming Fund and we wanted to acknowledge the support given by Jupiters, the local Shire Council which provides a subsidy to all Rural Fire Brigades and our own local community.
Some people had not seen the extension. It is air conditioned, with a toilet and shower block (wonderful for the women members of the Brigade) a functional Meeting Room and Radio and Library / information / computer room. The complex was to be opened by the Minister Neil Roberts, but the election was called that week and he was replaced by Geoff Wilson MP, who has been to the Samsonvale shed before and was pleased to revisit. Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Allan Sutherland attended as did Bob Millar, our local representative.
Ken Gold, one of the original Samsonvale Fire Brigade members attended so younger members were able to ask about the History of the Brigade. Sue and Paul Crompton had searched the Dayboro Grapevines and local Library for information about the Brigade and Sue typed up a list of important events and the Minutes of the very first meeting. These were fitted into long photo frames and placed on the walls at the entry.
We had a plaque made which acknowledged the grant and gave the date of the opening. This will also be placed in the entry. Members of The Regional Caboolture Office attended and National Medals were presented to Graham King (Caboolture/ Kilcoy) – not able to attend as he was at the Victorian Fires, Rodney Kunde (Hazeldean Brigade) and Oliver Johnson (Woodford Brigade). A special medal for Diligant and Ethical Service was presented to Samsonvale Fire Fighter, Geoff Henderson, for his long years of service.
The afternoon tea was prepared and served by the Dayboro ladies and we say a special thank you to them for their service. It was a most enjoyable afternoon and allowed members to mingle and talk “fire” matters. Remember that it affects everyone and if we ever needed a reminder about that, just reread the papers during the Victorian fires.
Samsonvale Brigade meets on the second Wednesday of every month and all local people are welcome to attend. We have quite a few women in our Brigade now and Chairman Peter Fogg made special mention of the service provided by women from Mavis Thomson (first female Treasurer) through to Melissa Arkell, Sue Crompton, Liane Henderson, Joanne Smith and Lorraine Petroff who have all been Secretaries. As Geoff Wilson remarked, it provides social contact and a very friendly atmosphere. If you have not already joined, think about it for this year before the fire season arrives. Controlled burns will be in full swing before long, so make sure your fire preparations are in place. Contact the Brigade through the Chairman, Peter Fogg, or First Officer Steve Henderson if you need assistance with that.
Some people had not seen the extension. It is air conditioned, with a toilet and shower block (wonderful for the women members of the Brigade) a functional Meeting Room and Radio and Library / information / computer room. The complex was to be opened by the Minister Neil Roberts, but the election was called that week and he was replaced by Geoff Wilson MP, who has been to the Samsonvale shed before and was pleased to revisit. Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Allan Sutherland attended as did Bob Millar, our local representative.
Ken Gold, one of the original Samsonvale Fire Brigade members attended so younger members were able to ask about the History of the Brigade. Sue and Paul Crompton had searched the Dayboro Grapevines and local Library for information about the Brigade and Sue typed up a list of important events and the Minutes of the very first meeting. These were fitted into long photo frames and placed on the walls at the entry.
We had a plaque made which acknowledged the grant and gave the date of the opening. This will also be placed in the entry. Members of The Regional Caboolture Office attended and National Medals were presented to Graham King (Caboolture/ Kilcoy) – not able to attend as he was at the Victorian Fires, Rodney Kunde (Hazeldean Brigade) and Oliver Johnson (Woodford Brigade). A special medal for Diligant and Ethical Service was presented to Samsonvale Fire Fighter, Geoff Henderson, for his long years of service.
The afternoon tea was prepared and served by the Dayboro ladies and we say a special thank you to them for their service. It was a most enjoyable afternoon and allowed members to mingle and talk “fire” matters. Remember that it affects everyone and if we ever needed a reminder about that, just reread the papers during the Victorian fires.
Samsonvale Brigade meets on the second Wednesday of every month and all local people are welcome to attend. We have quite a few women in our Brigade now and Chairman Peter Fogg made special mention of the service provided by women from Mavis Thomson (first female Treasurer) through to Melissa Arkell, Sue Crompton, Liane Henderson, Joanne Smith and Lorraine Petroff who have all been Secretaries. As Geoff Wilson remarked, it provides social contact and a very friendly atmosphere. If you have not already joined, think about it for this year before the fire season arrives. Controlled burns will be in full swing before long, so make sure your fire preparations are in place. Contact the Brigade through the Chairman, Peter Fogg, or First Officer Steve Henderson if you need assistance with that.
Geoff Henderson (centre) -with Peter Varley and Geoff Wilson – presented with a Diligent and Ethical Service medal. 
