By Tania Martin
MONBULK’S firefighters Rob Ashley, Eric Donald, and Alex Dimech can always be found helping out those in need.
Over the years, they have rescued people from burning buildings, car crashes and from cliff-sides across the Dandenongs.
But the trio were recently left speechless after being awarded the Emergency Services National Service Medal.
The Monbulk CFA members have a combined experience of 73 years and wouldn’t trade it for the world.
They encourage anyone interested in joining to give it a go.
Mr Ashley has been with the brigade for more than 27 years and can’t imagine life without it.
He retired from active firefighting years ago, but can still be found on the side of the road, rescuing someone from a car crash or helping someone who has fallen down a cliff face. Mr Ashley joined the brigade in 1983 and has been helping hills residents ever since.
“I fronted up one day and haven’t left since… I just thought it would be a good thing to do,” Mr Ashley said.
He said it was great to be recognised by the award, but nothing would change.
“I will just keep doing what I have been doing all these years,” he said.
Mr Dimech was not only awarded with his national medal, but also for his 25 years service.
He joined the brigade after moving to Monbulk and hearing the siren one day.
“We moved up here from Ferntree Gully because of my son’s health and one day I heard the siren and came up to the brigade to see what was happening and the rest is history,” Mr Dimech said.
“I just wanted to get out there and help the community and I think they appreciate it too.”
Mr Dimech along with Mr Ashley now mainly work on rescue and training other volunteers.
He said there had been some massive changes since he joined in 1985 including the amount of training new volunteers get now.
“It was a bit helter skelter when I joined…you heard the siren and everyone just jumped on board, but now you have six months training – it’s done properly,” Mr Dimech said.
For Mr Donald, joining the CFA was just like taking on the family businesses – emergency services.
He grew up around ambulance depots as his father was a paramedic.
Mr Donald then spent more than 30 years with St John Ambulance before joining Emerald CFA in 1989.
He moved to Monbulk eight years ago and says being recognised was terrific.
“We try to do as much as we can, we all enjoy it and we are a good team here,” Mr Donald said.
“We enjoy each other’s company as much as the volunteering.”
