By Kath Gannaway
“TODAY is not about governments, or politics …” may seen a brave statement to make when you are in the company of a brand new Prime Minister, the state Premier and various other … politicians.
But for Josephine Hunter, deputy controller of Marysville SES, the celebrations they had planned for months, really were all about community and the opportunity to thank the people who had supported their unit over the past 18 months.
While welcoming the unexpected high-profile guests – Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Premier John Brumby and company as “esteemed gatecrashers” and welcoming the opportunity to show off the service and the work the SES volunteers did, Ms Hunter spoke with genuine gratitude and affection for the people who she said played an important part in helping the unit recover.
“We have had so much kindness and generosity shown to us since the fires,” she said.
Members of the Victorian Historic Racing Register (VHRR) who had donated $25,000 towards a new rescue unit, members of the neighbouring CFA and Alexandra SES who had played host to the Marysville unit since Black Saturday, the staff at VICSES, Mountain District Rodders and the Hotels and Community of Victor Harbour, were among those who Ms Hunter thanked by name.
She said, there were many others, including the local community, who were far too numerous to thank by name.
The day was marked also by the presentation of service awards to SES Controller Ian Bates for 10 years service, and to Harry Purcell for 30 years service.
Ms Hunter paid tribute to Mr Purcell saying he was an integral part of bringing the SES to the region and making the unit what it is today.
She said Mr Bates had led the unit through the most difficult circumstances.
“We’re all grateful for it,” she said.
To her colleagues, she said their bravery, hard work and dedication shown were phenomenal.
“I was amazed by the way every single one of you handled yourselves following the fires, and am very proud to have been able to be a part of this group during this extraordinary time.”
To members of the VHRR she said they could leave knowing they had directly contributed to the success of every rescue in the future.
“I can guarantee you that before too long, this rescue equipment will save a life,” she said.
“So, you can be very proud of the choice you have made in supplying it, and we can’t thank you enough.”
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