The Selby CFA community is mourning the loss of a beloved member, Joy Aldham, who passed away in January, just a week before her 75th birthday.
Ms Aldham who was a long-serving life member of the Selby brigade dedicated more than four decades to firefighting and community service, leaving a lasting impact on those she worked alongside.
Selby CFA shared on their official Facebook page, “It is with heavy hearts that the Selby Fire Brigade announces the passing of long-serving life member, Joy Aldham. Joy joined the brigade in 1985, beginning her journey as an Auxiliary member before transitioning to operational firefighter. Her dedication to the brigade was immense, serving as our Secretary for over a decade (2000-2008 and 2012-2016).”
Her husband, Neville Aldham, Selby CFA’s community safety coordinator, reflected on the strength and support of the brigade.
“Me and the fire brigade people are like this big extended family that sort of wrap their arms around you,” he said.
“It’s comforting to have that support.”
Ms Aldham’s commitment to the CFA began in 1984 when she joined alongside her husband. She initially became involved through the Ladies Auxiliary before training as a firefighter, often turning out during weekday daytime callouts when few others were available.
Over the years, she filled several roles, including helping organise relief efforts during the 1997 fires, when thousands of sandwiches were prepared for crews.
Later in her service, Ms Aldham focused on welfare and peer support, providing care to firefighters following major incidents, including the Black Saturday fires.
As a member of the District 13 Peer Support Team, she supported first responders across the region.
“She was a vibrant, warm person who brought colour wherever she went,” Mr Aldham said.
“She loved sewing and always used colourful materials to make things for family and friends.”
Selby CFA said on its Facebook post that Ms Aldham’s service was recognised with several honours, including Selby CFA Life Membership, the National Medal with 1st Clasp and the National Emergency Medal for Black Saturday.
Mr Aldham said while her frontline firefighting reduced in later years, her dedication to helping others never faded.
“She lived by the idea that you can’t just take from life, you have to give back,” he said.
Outside the CFA, Ms Aldham worked in local journalism as a compositor at several newspapers, including the Upper Yarra Mail and the Dandenong Journal.
Her work involved traditional typesetting and page layout before the introduction of modern computer systems.
“She was part of a different era,” Mr Aldham said.
“She worked on old typesetting machines, cutting and pasting articles. It was hands-on work, and she loved it.”
Mr Aldham said Ms Aldham lived with Parkinson’s disease for several years, which gradually affected her mobility and speech.
She died following a fall that resulted in a brain bleed.
In line with her personality, the family has asked mourners to wear bright colours to her funeral.
“She always loved colourful dresses,” Mr Aldham said.
“She wouldn’t want a sombre farewell.”
Ms Aldham was widely known for supporting others through difficult times, whether organising meals after a loss or welcoming new life into families.
“She was always there,” Mr Aldham said.
She is survived by her husband, two sons, their partners and a young granddaughter.
“She was the glue that held us all together,” Mr Aldham said.
As Ms Aldham is remembered, her family hopes her spirit of generosity and service continues.
“She always gave back,” Mr Aldham said.
The funeral for Joy Aldham will be held on Monday, 2 February, at 11am at Bunurong Memorial Park’s Stratus Chapel, 790 Frankston–Dandenong Rd, Dandenong South.
Refreshments will follow at the same location.
The Aldham family has requested attendees wear something brightly coloured and that donations be made to fightparkinsons.org.au in lieu of flowers.
“Rest in peace, Joy. Your service will not be forgotten and you will be deeply missed by us all,” Selby CFA wrote on Facebook.
