Baby call out fires brigade

By Kath Gannaway
BADGER Creek CFA has put a whole new spin on “recruiting campaign” with the birth of Olivia Ann Frith on 30 May.
“I reckon she will follow in her mother’s and father’s footsteps and become a firey,” said proud dad Shanon. And her ‘firey’ mum Sally Wannet agrees.
Sally and Shanon met when they became volunteers with the Badger Creek Brigade. For Sally, it was a way of helping the local community. For Shanon, it was pretty much a way of life. He joined Bonnie Doon CFA as a junior at 14, moved on to Lilydale and then up to Badger Creek.
Little Olivia, who was born at The Angliss in Ferntree Gully, is sure to get to know the ropes at an early age as Sally says she is keen to get back into playing an active role with the brigade. Shanon is equally dedicated.
Sally and Shanon see their involvement with the Badger Creek Fire Brigade as part of family life in a small community.
“There is a great family atmosphere down here,” Sally said. “A couple of other members have kids so it’s a very family based fire brigade.”
While Sally and Shanon have yet to work out who will respond to calls once Sally is back on call, they say their experience as volunteer fire fighters is already proving an advantage in coping with at least one of the demands of parenthood.
“We’re used to the pagers going off at all hours of the night,” Shanon said, “but now it’s Olivia who is getting us out of bed.”