Kwinana South Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade salutes 50 years of service

Kwinana South Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade marks 50 years of service this month and has thanked past and present members for their dedicated work.

The brigade started as the Wellard East Bush Fire Brigade in 1975 until its name change 40 years ago to Kwinana South.

Bert Belohlawek, 75, has been involved for the past 31 years and said the comradeship was the main factor in keeping him there all this time.

“I get along with them all, but I’ve said as soon as I become a burden, cut me out,” Mr Belohlawek joked.

Mr Belohlawek and fire control officer Mark Heath are the brigade’s longest serving active members, with Mr Heath reaching his 35-year milestone this year.

The brigade has 47 active members and is one of two managed by the City of Kwinana.

Kwinana mayor Peter Feasey said the city was thrilled to celebrate the 50-year milestone.

“The city’s two volunteer brigades, Kwinana South and Mandogalup, perform a vital service in protecting our residents and fostering a sense of community,” he said.

This fire season, Kwinana South members attended 82 incidents locally and across the State, with some members deployed to Goldfields and Carnarvon earlier this year.