In this year’s Queens Birthday Honours. John Anthony Munckton of Glenaroua, received an OAM for service to the community of Seymour, including as a member of Glenaroua Fire Brigade, where he has volunteered since 1970, served as president from 1980-1996 and became a CFA Life Member in 2010.
To get to know John, we asked for some personal insights into his life, especially with the CFA.
1. What prompted you to join the CFA?
I joined in 1970. It was a natural thing to do. As a rural person, I have a sheep farm, you just served the community. Everyone pitched in. It’s a great sense of community when people pull together for a common cause.
2. What have been your roles with the CFA and are you still involved?
I was president for 16 years and was brigade representative to the group and region during that period, and basically a firefighter the whole time. I qualified as a crew leader in 2002. I’ve received a life membership and a 45-year service medal. I’m still a member but I’m nearly 70 and not as active these days.
3. What drives you to undertake roles, with CFA or anywhere, with such a focus on serving communities?
I was a shire councillor for a number of years and twice shire president, I’ve been president and assistant secretary and a life member of the Seymour Agricultural and Pastoral Society which runs the Seymour Show, I’ve been president of the Victorian Wine Show, on the Pyalong Water Board and Seymour Primary School council, vice president of the Graziers Association and I was a member of other organisations. I just like contributing to the community.
4. What is the most important thing you’ve learned in your time as a CFA volunteer?
I appreciate that it’s purely a volunteer organisation and people pull together for a common cause. That’s something that should not be threatened by any bureaucracy or government because the bottom line of our community is voluntary involvement. If that saves money for any local, state or federal government that should be applauded and promoted.
5. What do you think your best achievements are in your role with CFA?
Just being there when I’m needed. When there was a fire and you were required, you dropped tools and off you went.
6. What is your best memory - funny or serious – about your time with CFA as a volunteer?
I have a lot of good memories. I could say the earlier days of my involvement in the CFA saw a freer way of doing things from members who were not subject to the political correctness and bureaucracy we now experience. For instance, we ate sandwiches at a fire prepared by our wives and ladies associated with the brigade – no-one died as far as I can remember.
In the early days, the old Austin fire truck was our stalwart and it had no protective sides and a crash gear box. You went out there armed only with a good woollen jumper, long pants and boots and some water and you didn’t know when you were coming home. Things have changed a lot, although I would say the safety side of firefighting has dramatically improved with better truck protection and personal clothing protection and tests or basic fire knowledge.
7. Which was your favourite role or activity with CFA and why?
I just enjoyed giving my time. I haven’t really thought about doing it, it was just part of community involvement.
8. What makes a good CFA volunteer?
Someone prepared to drop tools when the occasion requires and goes to defend the district and an individual’s property.
Congratulations John and thanks for being such an inspiring part of our CFA family.
