Thank-you to our firies

THEY protected us during Bunyip’s worst firestorm and now we have the chance to say thankyou.
Firefighters and other emergency personnel will be officially recognised for their efforts during a special Thank-you Firies ceremony and service on Sunday 19 April.
Medals will be presented to those who helped keep residents safe during a tough and tragic fire season.
Cardinia mayor Bill Pearson said the event would begin with a short memorial service as a mark of respect the people who perished during the Black Saturday fires and those who lost everything – like Tonimbuk resident Fred Wailes.
Mr Wailes is living with friends in Bunyip after fire destroyed his home of 50 years on 7 February.
Although his house was lost, Mr Wailes said the CFA did a great job and it was important for the community to thank them.
Cardinia Foundation chief executive Di Padgett said those organising the event were also raising money for local brigades.
“This money is not going to the Bushfire Appeal, it’s going to the fire brigades in Cardinia Shire to help them with equipment,” she said.
The Thankyou Firies event will be at the amphitheatre at the Cardinia Cultural Centre from 2pm.
The formal recognition service will be followed by a sausage sizzle and an array of family-fun activities.
The event is open to all residents with a special invitation being issued to all the shire’s CFA brigades.