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Ian Vernon, Neil and Jan Hamilton acknowledges for dedication as Fish Creek CFA volunteers by Melina Bath

In state parliament, Melina Bath, Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria, honours Fish Creek CFA volunteers Neil Hamilton (50 years), Jan Hamilton (30 years), and Ian Vernon (10 years) for their invaluable service.

By news@gippsland - 6th March 2024 - Back to News

Ninety years of dedicated service by three Fish Creek CFA volunteers was recognised in state parliament by The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath. Ms Bath paid tribute to CFA volunteers Neil Hamilton for achieving 50 years of service, Jan Hamilton for 30 years of service and Ian Vernon for 10 years of service, acknowledging their important work as first responders and keeping Victorians safe.

With Neil Hamilton's 50 years, Jan Hamilton's 30 years, and Ian Vernon's 10 years of service, their collective wisdom benefits Fish Creek and Gippsland

Neil's distinguished service

Ms Bath said, "Our valued CFA volunteers protect country communities, responding to bushfire emergencies and complex rescues involving road accidents, high angles, and searches. They epitomise the spirit of selfless professionalism and care deeply about protecting regional communities."

Speaking on Neil Hamilton, Ms Bath passionately outlined Neil's impressive firefighting track record including participating in most of the major bushfires on the east coast since 1970. "Having started with Fish Creek Brigade in 1967 Neil has filled most positions in the local brigade including an 18 year stint as Captain," she said.

Jan and Neil's philanthropy

Ms Bath also said, "Together with wife Jan, Neil has continued to coordinate the brigade's Royal Children's Hospital Appeal for 39 years. Jan is an active member of the CFA Auxiliary and has an impressive volunteer track record in her own right."

"Volunteering as the Fish Creek and the South Gippsland groups Communication Officer for over 30 years - Jan dedicates her time manning the CFA's radio 24/7 to ensure prompt turn out and accurate messaging during emergencies," she said. Their collective wisdom and experience both on and off the fireground is an invaluable asset to Fish Creek and our wider Gippsland communities.

Pictures from Melina Bath MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  East Gippsland Shire Council celebrates National Volunteer Week by recognising more than 300 Honour Roll volunteers whose collective service exceeds 469 years across diverse community organisations.
• Life Saving Victoria urges vigilance over Easter holidays after record drowning deaths last year
  Life Saving Victoria warns Victorians to stay alert over Easter holidays, urging safety at beaches, pools, and waterways after last year’s record 13 drowning deaths nationwide.
• Nationals pledge to restore Parentline funding, criticise Labor's decision to axe vital family counselling service for Gippslanders
  The Nationals vow to reinstate Parentline funding if elected, condemning Labor's cut to the vital family counselling service that supports Victorian parents, particularly in regional communities facing limited access to services.
• Tim Bull announces retirement ahead of November state election after 16 years in Parliament and ministerial service
  East Gippsland MP announces retirement from November State Election after 16 years in Parliament, reflecting on service, gratitude to staff, colleagues, community, and commitment to continuing representation until stepping down.
• West Gippsland Landcare awarded $337,250 to transform landscapes, protect species, and enhance community green spaces statewide
  West Gippsland Landcare volunteers received $337,250 from 2025 Victorian Landcare Grants to restore landscapes, protect endangered species, enhance waterways, plant 30,000 trees, and engage communities in conservation projects.
• Parliamentary Inquiry visits South Gippsland to examine oil, gas decommissioning and regional transition opportunities
  State Parliament’s Environment and Planning Committee visited South Gippsland to examine oil and gas decommissioning, and local government perspectives, highlighting infrastructure needs and renewable transition opportunities.
• The Nationals reaffirmed support for shooters, hunters and farmers at Morwell forum opposing firearm law threats
  The Nationals held a Morwell forum supporting firearm owners, with leaders and 150 attendees opposing proposed law changes, criticising a Victorian firearms review and pledging to protect rights of lawful shooters, hunters and farmers.
• Baw Baw Shire honours nine outstanding individuals and groups at 2026 Australia Day Awards ceremony held on 22 January 2026
  Nine individuals and groups were honoured at Baw Baw Shire’s 2026 Australia Day Awards for outstanding community service, celebrated by Mayor Kate Wilson and the local community.
• Tim Bull calls for State Budget investment in Gippsland East health, police, roads and community infrastructure amid rising debt concerns
  Tim Bull has called for the State Budget to deliver key Gippsland East investments in health, police, fire services, roads, and community infrastructure amid rising Victorian debt.
• Parliament petition urges Allan government to cancel Delburn Wind Farm amid strong community opposition
  A parliamentary petition opposing the Delburn Wind Farm has gathered more than 2,800 signatures, citing concerns about bushfire risk, costs, community consultation and impacts on nearby residents.
• Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving, preventing East Gippsland ratepayers covering government shortfalls
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving Victoria, warning councils face doubled contributions while new Emergency Services levy strains East Gippsland and Wellington budgets.
• Tim Bull calls for more train carriages and bus services to match free public transport amid overcrowding concerns on Gippsland routes
  Tim Bull is calling on the Victorian government to match free public transport with more trains and buses, addressing severe overcrowding and service capacity issues in Gippsland.
• Tim Bull slams delays rebuilding Heyfield bus shelter, urging government to fulfil commitment and restore essential infrastructure
  Tim Bull has criticised the Victorian government over delays rebuilding Heyfield’s Mary Street bus shelter, saying the community has waited nine years despite repeated commitments to restore it.
• The Nationals demand an immediate election over Labor’s new tax changes, calling them a mandate-less, harmful assault on Australians
  The Nationals demand an immediate election, accusing Labor of introducing major tax changes without a mandate and harming Australians.
• Danny O’Brien said the state’s fuel price app is ineffective, though price transparency tools like Servo Saver can help strained household budgets
  Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien urges state and federal governments to secure regional fuel supply, warning rising costs, panic-buying, and supply restrictions threaten farmers, transport, essential services, and local households.
• Danny O’Brien says the State Budget overlooks Gippsland priorities, with limited regional infrastructure funding
  Danny O’Brien says the State Budget overlooks key Gippsland priorities, despite some funding for essential local projects, highlighting ongoing gaps in regional infrastructure investment and service delivery.
• Eastern Victoria to receive over $1M for improved walking, cycling, and regional transport links
  Eastern Victoria communities will benefit from over $1 million in funding for walking, cycling, and bus stop upgrades, improving local transport links through the Labor government’s Flexible Local Transport Solutions Program.
• Danny O'Brien says Gippsland roads among state's most dangerous after years of neglect under Allan Labor government
  Danny O'Brien says new AusRAP data shows many Gippsland roads are unsafe after years of Labor neglect, criticising the government for lowering speed limits instead of properly fixing deteriorating roads.
• Bass Coast Council lobbies state government on key regional priorities ahead of 2026 election talks
  Bass Coast Council meets state government leaders to advocate for funding across tourism, sport, infrastructure, coastal protection and major regional development priorities ahead of the 2026 election.
• Peri Urban Councils urge state government to invest in infrastructure and support housing growth across regions
  Peri Urban Councils Victoria is urging government investment in infrastructure after a new report recommended 40% of new homes be built in regional Australia, highlighting housing demand, high costs, and infrastructure pressures.
• The Nationals pledge fair infrastructure funding for Gippsland, addressing regional Victoria’s ongoing underinvestment gap
  The Nationals have pledged to secure Gippsland a fair share of infrastructure funding, arguing regional Victoria is underfunded compared to its population and deserves greater investment in key services.
• Mayor Rochelle Halstead honoured with MAV 10-year Service Award for her dedication to local government
  Bass Coast Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead has received the MAV 10-Year Service Award, recognising her decade of dedicated leadership, advocacy, and commitment to strengthening local government and the Bass Coast community.
• Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
  Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences.
• Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
  Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences.
• Latrobe City Mayor Sharon Gibson criticises State Budget for favouring metro community connectors funding over regions
  Latrobe City Mayor urges fair State Budget funding, criticising metro focus of Community Connectors program and calling for stronger regional support and engagement on community safety.
• Serious crime rises reflect community concerns, worsened by Labor's cuts, weakened bail, reduced youth programs, says Melina Bath
  Crime in Eastern Victoria has reached a 20-year high, with Melina Bath condemning Labor's soft approach, police under-resourced, and The Nationals vowing stronger laws, prevention programs, and community safety reforms.
• Nationals and Liberals propose tougher penalties to protect war memorials and historic sites from vandalism and desecration
  A Nationals and Liberal government would introduce tougher laws to protect war memorials and historic sites, imposing up to 10 years’ jail for vandalism and desecration.
• Nationals urge government to address wine industry crisis, converting excess wine into ethanol to support fuel supply and struggling growers
  The Nationals urge urgent action on Australia’s wine oversupply crisis, proposing surplus stock be converted to ethanol to support fuel supply and assist struggling growers facing mounting financial pressure.
• Nationals demand urgent Tourism Ministers meeting and interest-free loans for regional operators amid fuel crisis impact
  The Nationals are urging an urgent ministerial meeting and interest-free loans for regional tourism operators hit by the fuel crisis, warning of falling bookings, cancellations, job losses, and declining confidence.
• Celebrating Omeo volunteer Tracey Ah Sam for long-term service, leadership and dedication to community sport
  East Gippsland celebrates Omeo’s Tracey Ah Sam, Citizen of the Year, recognising her decades of volunteer service, community leadership and contribution to local sport and events.
• Lakes Entrance's Cameron King awarded with national medal for lifesaving service and dedication to community safety
  Lakes Entrance Surf Life Saving Club’s Cameron King has been awarded the National Medal for over 15 years of dedicated volunteer service, recognising his commitment to lifesaving and community water safety.
• East Gippsland hotels and publicans recognised as finalists in 2026 AHA Victoria State Awards for Excellence across multiple categories
  East Gippsland hotels and staff are finalists in the 2026 AHA Victoria State Awards, recognising community spirit, hospitality excellence and local contributions across multiple categories.
• The Nationals pledge to scrap VNI West by ending Labor’s net zero agenda and renewable rollout
  The Nationals say they will stop VNI West by scrapping Labor’s net zero agenda, arguing the transmission project threatens farmland, food security, regional communities and affordable electricity across Victoria.
• Darren Chester honours all who served, remembering lives lost, wounded, and the enduring impact on Darwin’s community
  Australia marks Bombing of Darwin Day on February 19, honouring more than 240 killed in 1942 and recognising wartime sacrifice, resilience, and the ongoing need to properly resource Defence personnel.
• Darren Chester elected Nationals Deputy Leader, pledges stronger voice for regional Australia and Gippsland communities
  Darren Chester has been elected Deputy Leader of The Nationals, serving with leader Matt Canavan, pledging to strengthen regional voices and advocate for Gippsland and rural Australians in Canberra.
• Bass Coast Shire Council pop-up sessions on four local playspace upgrades and proposed new designs on 13 Jan 2026
  Bass Coast Council is upgrading four playspaces in Wonthaggi, Cape Paterson, and Ventnor, inviting community feedback on two design options via Engage Bass Coast and January pop-up sessions.