Alan embodies the ‘Spirit of CFA’

POUND Creek Fire Brigade were rejoicing after firefighter Alan Price swept home the 2022 Spirt of CFA Senior Award.

The Spirit of CFA Awards recognise outstanding achievements and significant contributions made by CFA staff and volunteers to CFA, local communities and the State of Victoria.

“I try to fly under the radar as much as possible,” Alan laughed.

“I accepted in good faith because that’s one of the things about being a volunteer, we don’t get paid. It’s recognition for all the people in CFA… and various people that have mentored, helped and enabled me.

“Anything I have done somebody did it before me, I am just following in a path somebody else has blazed – I hope the legacy I’ve left is that someone else is following me.”

Presented by CFA Chief Executive Officer, Natalie MacDonald, in Ballarat this year, the Senior Award pays tribute to a CFA member over the age of 60 who inspires and mentors’ others through their commitment to their brigade and community and consistently demonstrates collaboration, initiative and leadership.

“I could not think of a better person to nominate for the Spirit of CFA Award,” Pound Creek Captain Ivan Smith said.

“Everyone seeks advice from Alan – he is one of the most qualified volunteer firefighters in Gippsland.”

It was November 1981 when Alan signed up with the Pound Creek Fire Brigade, a mere five years later he was 1st Lieutenant and in 2016 he received his 35-year service medal.

“Back in November last year we received an email for nominations, I felt that we had one such member,” Ivan explained.

“I enlisted the help of Chris Buxton, Tim Rock, Jill Price and Walter Aiche to contribute information on his achievements – Alan was indeed a worthy candidate.”

Peter Vanzuyden and Andrew Mutton put their heads together and collaborated with Ivan in submitting the nomination.

Alan’s involvement in the CFA has included roles as Group Officer (2004-08), Deputy Group Officer (1996-04 and 2008-10), Captain (1988-96), Captain Mentor (ongoing), Strike Team Leader and Trainer, and ICC Centre Leongatha Co-ordinator. 

“As Captain he co-ordinated the design and build of the CFA Station and Community Hall at Pound Creek,” Ivan added.

“He always goes out of his way to welcome new members to the Pound Creek Community.”

Apart from his hands-on fireground experience, Alan has also played an integral role on the many Incident Management Teams he has been involved with and has been a highly sought after and dedicated Logistics and/or Planning Officer, both throughout Victoria and interstate.

“He has continuously been involved in brigade and group cluster training, and he regularly volunteers for any brigade working bees or fundraising events, in particular the Pound Creek Australia Day Celebrations – a local community event which support the efforts of the brigade.”

Alongside his CFA accomplishments Alan is also credited with Anglican Church Wonthaggi Community meal project, food bank, Community Hardship Loan Scheme and conducive in starting the Anglican Church Inverloch Opportunity Shop.

“Within the broader community, Alan is a Church Warden and Parish Councillor, and was instrumental in getting the Church Community Meal project off the ground, and he is still involved in working weekly for the Second Bite Food program.”

Wonthaggi Pony Club’s president and groundsman, Alan also designed a cross country course, undertaking the earthworks using his own machinery 
that attracted competitors from all over the region.

He also holds the position of Chairman of the Fulham Kairos Chapter, which helps run four-day courses inside the Fulham Corrections Centre. Through the Kairos programme, Alan has been visiting inmates twice a month for the last 12 years (up until COVID restrictions).

“My wife and daughters have enabled me to have the time to go and do all those things – they’ve milked the cows and kept the operation working at home,” Alan said.

“Jill has been my biggest support and much appreciated life partner.”

Jill often asks the 72-year-old why he still gets up at all hours when the pager goes off and Alan’s answer is simple, ‘it’s not about the times that everything’s all right, it’s the times you get down and save something.’

“Seahaven’s always stood in my mind. We’ve had lots of calls there over the years for alarms, and we’ve been there twice for fires – the laundry fire, where you saw how serious it could be and the real fire, where all the damage was done.

“We lose sight of that sometimes – probably 60 per cent of Pound Creek’s turnouts are stopped.”

From local alarms and fires to campaign bushfires around Australia, Alan’s community could not be prouder of his achievements.

“His leadership skills are second to none, and his devotion to service and willing assistance to other CFA personnel within the district and CFA as a whole is truly exemplary.”

“On behalf of the Pound Creek Fire Brigade members I would like to congratulate Alan for his outstanding contributions to the CFA and Community,” Ivan smiled.

“Peter says when he came to Pound Creek, I gathered him up and mentored him – I think that’s the role of every volunteer,” Alan concluded.