Peter Hendricksen’s life was shaped by decades of service, his love of family and friends, and a lifelong passion for the outdoors.
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Born in March 1945, Peter passed away this year on March 26, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and a network of people touched by his influence, humour and loyalty.
He dedicated 35 years to the CFA, most of that time at Werribee Fire Brigade before later joining Bamawm Extension Fire Brigade, where he remained a member until his passing.
His son Dean Hendericksen said his father played a key role in shaping early thinking around road crash rescue work during his CFA career.
“Werribee was a road crash rescue brigade, and it was early days of airbag deployment and all that sort of stuff,” he said.
“He was heavily involved in getting packages together for volunteers, which flowed into career staff aspects as well, on how to approach these vehicles, what to be aware of and how to disarm airbags.
“There's a book available to us now that has all that sort of gear in it, that comes more so from manufacturers now, but that's all probably stemmed from being involved in the Werribee Fire Brigade.”
In recognition of his service, Peter was awarded the National Medal and a 35-year service award only a week before he passed away.
Mr Hendericksen said it was his father who originally encouraged him to join the CFA.
“He pushed me into being a volunteer. I went from being a volunteer to now doing it as a career,” he said.
“I've now done 35 years as a career and probably done 43 years service in the CFA and now Fire Rescue Victoria through his pushing and mentoring to better myself.”
Outside the CFA, Peter’s life was defined by family, friendship and the great outdoors.
Peter Hendericksen in his younger years.
He worked at Baltic Timber before moving to Case Tractors in Campbellfield, where the workshop often became a playground for the kids as they drove around small tractors under his watchful supervision.
He later became a water bailiff in Werribee, a role that kept him close to the land and local farming community.
The experience also gave him practical knowledge that he would later pass down to his children and grandchildren.
Despite not being able to swim, he was a keen sailor, regularly heading out from Parkdale and Williamstown, always relying on his life jacket but never letting it hold him back.
His greatest joy, however, was time spent camping and fishing with family and friends, many of whom he met through his work as a water bailiff.
Those connections formed the “Crescent Mob”, a tight-knit group of families and mates linked through work and life along the waterways, who shared a love of the outdoors and regular extended camping trips.
The trips eventually grew into large, long-running gatherings on Patho Creek, where dozens would set up camp for days at a time around the fire, sharing stories, food and company.
Friends and family remember Peter in his Akubra and Driza-Bone, sitting by the fire, playing the didgeridoo, or singing loudly to songs he did not know the words to.
Among all, he will be remembered most for his booming laugh that could fill a room and lift every mood in it.
Even in his final days, Peter remained focused on those around him, making sure important details were in order and sharing his trademark humour.
He leaves behind his wife Robyn, his children Dean, Brett and Melissa, their partners, eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and a wide circle of surrogate family who all felt his presence in their lives.
He also leaves behind a life filled with friendship, family and countless shared moments around campfires, riverbanks and fire stations across Victoria.
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