MT MARTHA CFA celebrated its 75th anniversary with an awards dinner at Safety Beach Sailing Club.
On 3 October, volunteers, family members, local government officials, and community members gathered to celebrate the anniversary and award recipients.
President Daniel Tompsett said the evening was a celebration of every volunteer who had worn a Mt Martha CFA uniform.
“It’s also a celebration of every family member who has supported them,” said Tompsett.
“And it’s a celebration of the community that’s placed its trust in this brigade for three quarters of a century.”
Tompsett said 75 years is more than a number.
“It represents generations of people who have answered the call, often in difficult circumstances, often at personal sacrifice, but always in service of something greater than themselves,” said Tompsett.
The evening included reflections on the brigade’s history, noting the achievements and outstanding service of members.
“Whether you joined seventy years ago or seven months ago, we are but custodians of something much bigger than ourselves,” said Tompsett.
Tompsett said generation after generation has shown being part of the CFA is about more than just volunteering.
“It’s a promise to your neighbours that when the pager goes off, when there’s smoke on the horizon, or when someone needs help – somebody will turn up,” said Tompsett.
National Medals were awarded to Simon Gordon, Peter Mason, Hamish Anderson, Brandon Crowder, and Tim Roberston.
The Brigade Life Membership was awarded to Simon Gordon, Barry Kirkpatrick, Richard Leigh, and Mick Saveneh.
Jan Braun received a CFA Service Award for 25 years of service, while Barry Kirkpatrick received one for 45 years of service.
Firefighter of the Year was awarded to Peter Barker, and Brigade Member of the Year was awarded to John Pingiaro, whose family were founding members of the brigade.
“One thing has remained constant: the commitment of ordinary people willing to step forward and do extraordinary things when their community needs them most,” said Tompsett.
“That commitment is perhaps best represented by the families whose connection to this brigade spans generations.”
Tompsett said the legacy of Mt Martha brigade can’t be measured in years of service alone.
“It’s measured in the confidence the community has in us. It’s measured in the culture we demonstrate now and the culture we carry into the future,” said Tompsett.
“And it’s measured by the people prepared to stand side-by-side, in difficult conditions, because they believe in serving others.”
First published in the Mornington News – 13 October 2026
