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Melina Bath honours Colin "Stocky" Stockdale for 63 years of outstanding CFA service to South Gippsland community

Melina Bath congratulated Colin "Stocky" Stockdale on receiving the CFA's highest honour, recognising his 63 years of leadership, mentorship and dedicated service protecting South Gippsland communities.

By news@gippsland - 25th August 2026 - Back to News

The Nationals' Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath has congratulated Colin "Stocky" Stockdale on receiving the Country Fire Authority (CFA) Outstanding Service Medal. It is the CFA's highest honour, presented for exceptional service, leadership and community contribution. Speaking in state parliament Ms Bath paid tribute to Stocky's decades of leadership, service and mentorship, recognising his extraordinary 63 years of service to the CFA and the South Gippsland community.

Colin "Stocky" Stockdale was honoured for 63 years of outstanding CFA service, recognised as a quiet achiever and exceptional regional leader

Stocky's enduring service

Ms Bath said, "Stocky is a true local legend, his calm leadership, operational expertise and commitment to serving others have earned the respect of generations of CFA volunteers. For more than six decades, he has protected regional communities, mentored volunteers and provided leadership during some of Victoria's most significant bushfire emergencies."

"Stocky is widely regarded as one of Gippsland's most experienced and trusted fireground leaders – his award is due recognition. When communities face their toughest days, Stocky's knowledge, judgement and steady presence have helped to keep firefighters and residents safe," said Ms Bath.

Stocky honoured for service

Ms Bath thanked the Koonwarra Fire Brigade, Strzelecki Group leaders, District 9 colleagues who all supported Stocky's nomination for the award. "This honour reflects his extraordinary service and the immense regard in which he is held by his CFA colleagues and our community."

"Volunteer service of Stocky's magnitude is only made possible with the unwavering support of wife Snookie and family, his recognition reflects their invaluable contribution in supporting him throughout his CFA journey. South Gippsland is stronger, safer and better for Colin Stockdale's lifetime of service to community, emergency response and management," said Ms Bath.

Pictures from Melina Bath MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Darren Chester blames Labor-Greens timber shutdown as Maryvale Mill job losses hit Gippsland workers and families
  Federal MP Darren Chester says 84 more Maryvale Mill job losses stem from Labor-Greens forestry policies, urging state and federal governments to fund an economic transition plan for the Latrobe Valley.
• Yarragon weekend escape offers country hospitality, local flavours, shopping and scenic West Gippsland adventures
  Yarragon offers an easy West Gippsland weekend escape from Melbourne, combining boutique shopping, local food and wine, scenic walks, galleries, markets and welcoming country accommodation.
• Latrobe Regional Gallery unveils spring exhibitions celebrating place, culture, community, history and the natural world
  Latrobe Regional Gallery spring program features five exhibitions exploring Gippsland places, community, culture, history and nature, alongside Japanese traditions and contemporary artistic responses.
• Labor government criticised over regional childcare shortages, workforce gaps and red tape following parliamentary inquiry findings
  A Victorian parliamentary inquiry found regional childcare providers face severe workforce shortages, vacant places, growing waitlists and excessive red tape, with Melina Bath calling for stronger accountability and practical solutions.
• The Nationals' $5 Better Roads Plan promises pothole repairs and long-term maintenance across neglected Gippsland road network
  The Nationals' $5 billion Better Roads plan would tackle Gippsland's deteriorating roads, repair one million potholes, restore preventative maintenance and establish Better Roads Victoria for improved standards.
• Warragul Leisure Centre extends outdoor pool season following community feedback with revised opening hours through April 2027
  Warragul Leisure Centre will extend outdoor pool access from October, introducing revised opening hours following community feedback, with the schedule continuing through April 10, 2027.
• Latrobe City Council ranks among Victoria's Top Five for Community Satisfaction in 2026 Snap Send Solve index
  Latrobe City Council has ranked fifth in Victoria for community satisfaction, scoring 64.6 in the 2026 Snap Send Solve Index, exceeding both national and Victorian averages.
• Draft Omeo District Place Plan released for after 10 months of consultation for final community feedback until 2 October 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council has released the draft Omeo District Place Plan for feedback, prioritising health, education, housing, employment, social connection, environmental care and emergency preparedness. Submissions close October 2.