Left: Brett Myers in 2001 when he won the Young Citizen of the Year for his work volunteering for the CFA.By Sarah Schwager
CARDINIA Shire’s 2001 Young Citizen of the Year has progressed in leaps and bounds since he was nominated for the esteemed award.
In January 2001, when reported in the Gazette, Brett Myers, then 18, had just found out he had won the Young Citizen of the Year award.
“I didn’t know I had been nominated until I won the award,” Brett said.
“I couldn’t believe it. I was quite honoured as well.”
Brett was given the award for his work in the community, in particular with Tynong CFA, which he had been a volunteer since he was 13.
Since graduating from Pakenham Secondary College, Brett has gone on to a number of roles in the CFA.
He did his CFA traineeship in 2001 at Burwood East for a year before starting fulltime work.
He also worked at the State Emergency Coordination Centre and was deployed to Sydney to put together a CFA demobilisation plan during the New South Wales fires and covered the big fires in northeast Gippsland during the 200203 fire season.
Brett said he had been fortunate to receive so much experience in the industry.
He now works fulltime as a brigade support officer at the CFA, spending most of his time at Phillip Island.
He said the role included recruitment, community liaison, fundraising and planning events at Phillip Island.
Brett, now 22, has just bought a house in Nar Nar Goon and volunteers for Nar Nar Goon Fire Brigade as third lieutenant.
He also just got back from a fiveweek trip to America, where he toured and visited friends.
“It was great. I met lots of people,” Brett said. “It’s good to do while you’re young and have got the time.”
Brett said he still felt honoured at winning the award.
“The biggest part of the award is the community work. I enjoy it so much,” he said.
“It was good to be recognised for that as well.”
