Senior Citizen of the Year for Morwell brigade members

John O'Bryan from Morwell Fire Brigade, winner of Senior Citizen of the Year 2024

 

To acknowledge their outstanding commitment and dedication, two remarkable volunteers from Morwell Fire Brigade have been awarded the prestigious Senior Citizen of the Year title in consecutive years by Latrobe City Council.

 

These deserving brigade members have not only contributed significantly to the safety and wellbeing of their community, but have also become shining examples of selfless service and civic responsibility.

The 2023 Latrobe City Senior Citizen of the Year award was given to Peter Keenan for his dedication to CFA since 1974. Throughout his almost 50 years of service in CFA, Peter has served eight terms as a lieutenant and, following fire services reform in 2020, he served as the first captain of the brigade in more than 50 years.

Peter has also served as a deputy group officer over four terms, and been awarded the National Emergency Medal and clasp in recognition of his efforts in the 2009 and 2019-20 campaign fires, as well as being a National Medal recipient in 1990. Peter also has a long-term commitment to the Latrobe Valley Umpires Association, Gippsland Dog Obedience Club and Royal Children’s Hospital fundraising.

The 2024 Latrobe City Senior Citizen of the Year award made it a back-to-back win for Morwell brigade, when John O’Bryan was presented with the honour. John’s commitment to the brigade spans an impressive 55 years, beginning as a Junior member in 1967 and continuing as an active member today.

John has played a crucial role in the brigade’s development by holding leadership positions as 3rd and 4th lieutenant over four terms. He has also served as a Junior leader, contributed to training sessions, and represented the brigade at Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria meetings.

John has volunteered countless hours through many incidents such as the Church Street explosion, Hazelwood mine fire, and 2009 fires. Most notably, John facilitated the purchase and upgrade of the brigade’s Ford F-650 fire truck, which is used for events such as funerals and Santa runs.

John is recognised for his exceptional service – Life Member of CFA, National Medal in 1989 and 1st Clasp in 2005. John also received the Emergency Services Award for his response and dedication during the 2009 fires. He continues to show this dedication through mentoring Junior members and maintaining equipment.

When asked about volunteering in CFA, John said: “To me it's just one of those things I grew up being involved in. Dad was in CFA for 25 years and so I joined him when I could. CFA is in my blood. But it was the community that has kept my willingness to keep volunteering."

 

Submitted by	Melissa Armstrong