Community
12 December, 2025
Celebrating community and volunteering
CHOCOLYN’S Country Fire Authority (CFA) brigade decked out their shed with festive flair for their annual Christmas community party last Friday.
The party is a tradition at the Chocolyn CFA brigade, where volunteers and their families celebrate the festive season with the community.
Chocolyn CFA brigade secretary Leigh Harry said the Christmas party is always well-support, and this year was no exception.
“It’s important we get our local community to come – they’re always invited, and we get good attendance which is really pleasing for the brigade,” he said.
“It’s been established for a long time and it’s become a tradition.
“A lot of the locals look forward to it as a catch up and it’s an opportunity for new residents in the Chocolyn area to come and meet some of their neighbours and others in the area.”
In addition to the festivities, the brigade launched their inaugural Flaming Legend Award celebrating volunteers who go above and beyond for the brigade.
The award was presented to Darren Teal by Geoff Whytcross and Mr Harry, who said the award recognised his commitment to the brigade.
“This year we introduced an award called the Flaming Legend Award, which is where the brigade nominates one of its members who contributed to the brigade through the past year,” he said.
“Darren’s really been instrumental in getting enthusiasm in the brigade and good attendance to training – he’s also been one of the first to turn out to a job, attending 100 per cent of our jobs for the year.
“He’s become a really valuable team member in our brigade – it was great to recognise that with the Chocolyn community.
“It’s something our brigade initiated – other brigades have Fireman of the Year, and we thought it was a fun idea while having a serious side to recognise the over and beyond contributions to the brigade.
“We hope to continue that and make it an annual award and include that in our Christmas community party in the future.”
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