General News
7 February, 2025
Firies get a sweet treat
Battling exhaustion and fatigue under challenging conditions a lot of us couldn't even imagine, all while having the hopes of home and property owners riding on them.
It's a feeling that's known well by the hundreds of fire professionals and volunteers who descended on Dimboola when the community and town were under threat last week.
Grown men and women, their actions brave and heroic, but something childlike and simple has been making them smile come day's end of late.
It's been the cold fruitiness of a Calipo or the chilly refreshing smoothness of a Paddle Pop.
They might be heroes in the field, but after their job is done, they like a cold treat as much as anyone and, luckily, thanks to the community's kindness, the freezer has been full of an assortment of icy treats when the CFA and forest management teams return to base.
It was the brainchild of Dimboola's Neil Devonport, and the concept has continued to grow, with Mr Devonport handing out hundreds of the items and keeping freezers full.
Mr Devonport said there had been $5000 raised for the initiative and donations were still being taken.
"We've been giving out ice creams each afternoon and evening," Mr Devonport said.
"Due to a move from Lloyd Street to the weir we're not seeing as many fire trucks in town, but they are still around."
Mr Devonport said it was clear how grateful the community was.
"I've asked CFA Vic to source a list of crew stations that dispatched teams so we can get ice creams out to them in the coming weeks as a thanks," he said.
Donations can be made at Dimboola IGA, who are providing the items at cost price, or by visiting https://www.bigbertha.com.au/ice-cream-for-firies
Mr Devonport said he had spoken to the local CFA about any funds that might be left over, and, if that happens, they will do something special to say thanks.