News

It’s been a hectic year for Echuca CFA

By Andrew Mole

Oct 19, 2026

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Mick Sporton, Echuca CFA captain Dan Moylan and Member for Murray Plains, Peter Walsh before the dinner. Photo by Andrew Mole

Echuca CFA has celebrated another year as the town’s, and region’s, vital frontline responder with the brigade turning out for 267 calls.

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And it also proved to be one of its busiest years with house/structure fires.

CFA captain Dan Moylan told the brigade’s annual dinner callouts ranged from jobs done and dusted in an hour to ones which saw them draw in other brigades for some of those big structure fires.

He said the brigade attended eight fully involved structure fires in the year as well as attending several to help neighbouring brigades with its pumper, tanker and BA support.

“The resilience of our all-volunteer members is second to none and during the fire season we had several strike teams battle blazes at Yarroweyah and Harcourt,” Dan said.

Ian and Phillippa Addicott were enjoying the night out.

“We had members attend their first strike team and members who have been to many,” he said.

“It was great to see such a presence from Echuca on these strike teams as the newer members and older members were able to share different experiences.”

Dan said Echuca also had several member attend more than 100 calls for the year – Shae Bruns, Jason Black, Jordan Simpson, Daniel Phyland, Liv Hooper, Simon O’Callaghan and Paul Nicoll.

With Mark Hooper the standout for attending 201 calls. Several others came close to 100 calls.

Annai Pontelandolfo, Shae Bruns, Jordan Simpson and Rhys Pontelandolfo at the awards dinner. Photo by Andrew Mole

“I believe this is truly an amazing effort by those members and is testament to their dedication to the CFA and their local community,” Dan added.

“The junior program continues to achieve great success on the running track and in learning new life skills,” he said.

“The brigade will be in great hands in the future as we watch these young members transition through our brigade and neighbouring brigades.

“With an almighty effort from Jordan Simpson and his junior leaders they put another three solid teams into the state championships in Stawell – with the Echuca A side crowned 2026 State Urban Junior Champions.

“Such a great achievement by the team and coaches.”

Dan said the women’s team was also crowned state champions with two of them – Kaylea Blake and Shae Bruns – named in the team of the year. Jordan Simpson was named coach of the year.

He said competitions are a great opportunity for members to gain valuable skills while having a bit of fun.

Joint Pa Eley firefighters of the year, Kirra Strickleton and Nestor Perez Tasso, with presenter Brian Eley. Photo by Supplied

Bob Butler has been a volunteer with the brigade for the past five years. Photo by Supplied

Chris Hawking has also completed five valuable years of CFA service. Photo by Supplied

Kirby Thompson was one of several five year volunteers recognised on the night. Photo by Supplied

Todd Wholohan is another volunteer with five years of service. Photo by Supplied

Carter Williams was recognised for five years of service.

“It has all made it easier for members to obtain low structure firefighting, complete BA training, completing respond to urban, drive on roads, policy and legislation accreditation.

“I also want to make mention to our neighbouring brigades as they always offer incredible support to us, not only to emergency calls but also to be there to bounce ideas off and it’s great to see three brigades building.”