More than 80 members of the emergency service community across the Alpine Shire were honoured by the Bright Lions and Rotary clubs at a dinner at Bright Bowls Club, last Friday, 3 October.
The Emergency Services Appreciation Dinner saw guests from Ambulance Victoria, Victoria Police, SES Units, CFA brigades and service club volunteers enjoy two courses prepared by High Country chef, David McKinnon, before a raffle-draw and two rounds of games had attendees rolling in their chairs with laugher.
"I wanted it to be a fun night for everyone, to say thank you to our emergency service volunteers," Bright Lions Club secretary and Master of Ceremonies, Chris Jenvey said.
"A number of local businesses have been so generous and helpful with these gifts for the raffle: I want to say a big thank you to the Star Hotel, Alpine Gourmet Meats, Bright Brewery, Bright Ice Creamery, Riverdeck Kitchen, Alpine Shire, Rich Glen, the Beechworth Bakery and to the bowls club for this venue.
“We want to honour Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart-Hottart, who recently lost their lives on the job and we also pray for the third policeman who is recovering."
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Ms Jenvey led those present in raising their glasses, in their honour and for all service people who have lost their lives during the course of their work.
"We thank you for your service," she said.
Paul Pizzolitto from the Myrtleford CFA said the dinner was their way to say thank you and appreciate attendees' efforts for the community.
“Every day you put your lives on the line to protect us all," he said.
“Being a volunteer CFA member myself, I know firsthand the commitment it takes: the long days, the early or late shift call-outs to help perfect strangers.
“We do it because we love to help; tonight is about you and we hope you have a wonderful time.”
Alpine Shire deputy mayor, Cr Peter Smith, said he takes his hat off to members of the emergency services in the face of the dark side of volunteering.
"We understand you go through a hell of a lot mentally," he said.
"Members of emergency services have experienced trauma, fear, loss, tragedy, increasing violence and the loss of [patient] life despite all efforts.
"Events such as this help show how appreciated and valued all of you in the room here tonight are.
"There are some who are not here tonight because they're out responding to an incident: that's just a typical example of what all of you do.
"At the drop of a hat you get a phone call and you're gone.
"This shows the genuine care and vital support people in our communities have for others, through their skills and dedication."
